Oleaginously: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'oleaginus', meaning 'oily', which relates to the word's meaning of being smooth or slippery in behavior.
• Common usage began in the 18th century, often to describe someone being excessively flattering for personal gain.

Psychology

• People often use oleaginous behavior as a tactic in social situations to ascend social hierarchies or gain favors.
• Psychologists suggest such behavior may stem from a lack of self-confidence, leading individuals to seek validation through excessive flattery.

Literature

• In literature, oleaginous characters often serve as antagonists; they may appear charming but have selfish motives.
• Famous examples include characters from classic novels where charm is a mask for deceit, often leaving readers wary of their intentions.

Pop Culture

• In movies and TV shows, oleaginous characters are often portrayed as the 'smooth talker' who tries to manipulate others into doing their bidding.
• Famous TV characters like Larry David's 'Larry' in 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' often berate oleaginous behavior, highlighting its perceived insincerity.

Communication

• Oleaginous language often appears in corporate communications, where employees may overly praise management to gain approval.
• Such communication styles are often scrutinized in business literature, as they can lead to mistrust among colleagues.