Bootlicking: meaning, definitions and examples

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bootlicking

[ ˈbuːtˌlɪkɪŋ ]

^{Context #1}

behavior

The act of trying to gain favor or approval by acting in a servile or overly submissive manner, often towards someone in a position of authority.

Synonyms

flattery, obsequiousness, sycophancy

Examples of usage

He was accused of bootlicking the boss in order to get a promotion.
She was tired of the constant bootlicking in the office.

^{Context #2}

action

To behave in a servile or obsequious manner in order to gain favor or approval, especially from someone in a position of authority.

Synonyms

fawn, flatter, kowtow

Examples of usage

He spent hours bootlicking the manager to get a raise.
Stop bootlicking and stand up for yourself!

Translations

Translations of the word "bootlicking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bajulação

🇮🇳 चापलूसी

🇩🇪 Speichelleckerei

🇮🇩 penjilatan

🇺🇦 підлабузництво

🇵🇱 lizusostwo

🇯🇵 おべっか

🇫🇷 flagornerie

🇪🇸 adulación

🇹🇷 yalakalık

🇰🇷 아첨

🇸🇦 تزلف

🇨🇿 podlézání

🇸🇰 podlizovanie

🇨🇳 拍马屁

🇸🇮 lizunstvo

🇮🇸 sleikja

🇰🇿 жағымпаздық

🇬🇪 ლაქუცი

🇦🇿 yaltaklanma

🇲🇽 adulación

Word origin

The term 'bootlicking' originated in the 19th century and is believed to have come from the act of licking someone's boots as a sign of submission or obedience. It is often used in a derogatory manner to describe behavior that is overly submissive or sycophantic.