Bootlicker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bootlicker
[ˈbuːtˌlɪkər ]
Definition
person
A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage or favor. Bootlickers often lack integrity and self-respect.
Synonyms
brownnoser, flatterer, sycophant, toady.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bootlicker |
Used to describe someone who excessively flatters or behaves obsequiously towards someone in power to gain favor, often in a work or political setting. This term has a negative connotation.
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| sycophant |
A formal term used to describe a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage. Often found in literary or intellectual discussions. It has a negative connotation.
|
| flatterer |
A more neutral term for someone who compliments others, often insincerely, to gain favor. It is not as derogatory but still implies a lack of genuineness.
|
| toady |
A somewhat old-fashioned term for someone who flatters or acts subserviently to someone important. It also carries a negative connotation.
|
| brownnoser |
Informal and derogatory term for someone who ingratiates themselves with their superiors through excessive flattery or obsequious behavior.
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Examples of usage
- He was known as the boss's bootlicker, always agreeing with everything the boss said.
- The politician was surrounded by bootlickers who constantly praised him in hopes of gaining favors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- In popular media, characters who are bootlickers often serve as comic relief or antagonists, highlighting their overly ingratiating behavior.
- Famous historical figures, such as dictators, often had bootlickers that surrounded them, emphasizing the idea of power dynamics.
- The term has been used in various protest movements to call out those who prioritize authority over ethics.
Psychology
- Studies show that some individuals engage in flattery due to insecurity, hoping to gain approval or social status.
- People who display bootlicking behaviors may struggle with assertiveness, leading them to suppress their own opinions.
- This behavior can stem from a deep-rooted desire for acceptance, making it a complex social phenomenon.
Literature
- Literary works often portray bootlickers in a negative light, using them as cautionary examples of loss of integrity.
- The archetype of the bootlicker can be found in various genres, from Shakespearean comedies to modern dystopian novels.
- In some narratives, bootlickers experience dramatic downfalls, serving as a warning against misplaced loyalty.
Political Discourse
- The term is frequently used in political contexts to describe individuals who overly praise or submit to powerful figures.
- Political satirists often use bootlicking as a theme to critique leaders and their followers, highlighting the absurdity of such dynamics.
- In recent years, public discussions about transparency and integrity have made the term more relevant, as people criticize sycophantic behavior in governance.
Origin of 'bootlicker'
Main points about word origin
- The term derives from 'boot,' which represents authority, and 'lick,' suggesting servility or subservience.
- It originally appeared in English in the mid-20th century, gaining traction in political discourse.
- The phrase evokes imagery of someone humbly showing their loyalty, even to a comical degree.
The term 'bootlicker' originated in the late 18th century, combining 'boot' (referring to a person's footwear) and 'licker' (indicating one who licks). It was originally used to describe a servant or subordinate who would lick the boots of their superior as a sign of submission and servitude. Over time, the term evolved to describe someone who fawns over or flatters those in power in a servile or sycophantic manner.
See also: boot, booties, bootleg, bootlegger, boots, booty, freebooter, reboot.