Bootlicking: meaning, definitions and examples

Used negatively to describe someone who is excessively eager to please someone in power, often for personal gain. Typically informal.

• His bootlicking behavior during the meeting was embarrassing.
• She's always bootlicking the boss to get ahead.

Used negatively to describe someone who uses flattery and sucking up to gain favor, often insincerely. Often used in political or professional contexts.

• The politician's sycophancy was evident in his constant praise for the party leader.
• Her sycophancy made it clear she was aiming for a promotion.

Can be used in neutral or positive contexts when someone is giving praise or compliments, but it may also imply insincerity if overdone.

• He appreciated her genuine flattery about his skills.
• Her excessive flattery made it clear she wanted something in return.

Used negatively to describe someone who is overly submissive and eager to please, often in a servile manner. More formal than 'bootlicking'.

• The manager's obsequiousness towards the CEO was obvious to everyone.
• His obsequiousness made him unpopular among his colleagues.

This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who excessively praises or obeys someone in authority in a sycophantic manner.

• His bootlicking attitude towards the manager irritated his colleagues.

This word is generally used in a more neutral or positive sense to describe giving compliments, often to make someone feel good or gain favor, but not necessarily insincere. However, it can have a negative tone if the flattery is seen as being excessive or manipulative.

• She flattered her friend by praising her cooking skills.
• He tried to flatter his way into getting extra credit in the class.

This term often indicates someone showing exaggerated flattery or affection, usually to gain favor. It can have a somewhat negative or desperate tone.

• The intern was fawning over the CEO in hopes of getting a promotion.

This term means to act in an excessively submissive manner to please someone in authority. It has a strong negative connotation, suggesting a lack of integrity or self-respect.

• He would never kowtow to his boss just to keep his job.