Sycophant: meaning, definitions and examples
🍏
sycophant
[ˈsɪkəfənt ]
Definitions
flattering behavior
A sycophant is a person who uses flattery to get what they want from influential people. They often praise others excessively and insincerely in order to gain favor or advantage.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sycophant |
Used to describe someone who flatters powerful people for personal gain. Often has a negative connotation.
|
| flatterer |
Someone who compliments others, often excessively. Can be neutral or negative depending on the intent.
|
| toady |
Used for someone who behaves obsequiously to someone important. Carries a negative meaning.
|
| yes-man |
A person who agrees with everything their superior says, often to maintain favor. Also negative.
|
Examples of usage
- He was known as the office sycophant, always complimenting the boss to get ahead.
- The sycophant ingratiated himself with the celebrity in hopes of getting a role in the movie.
politics
In politics, a sycophant is someone who behaves obsequiously towards a powerful figure to gain advantage or favor. They tend to agree with everything the leader says and do not offer independent or critical thinking.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sycophant |
Refers to someone who excessively flatters or praises someone for personal gain, often used in a negative context to suggest insincerity or manipulation.
|
| flunky |
Often a derogatory term for a person who performs menial tasks or runs errands for someone else, implying a lack of self-respect or independence.
|
| bootlicker |
Generally used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who is obsequiously attentive or fawning to those in authority to gain favor.
|
| courtier |
Historically and formally refers to someone who attends a royal court as a companion or adviser to the king or queen. More broadly, it implies someone who seeks favor by flattery but in a more elegant or refined manner.
|
Examples of usage
- The minister surrounded himself with sycophants who never questioned his decisions.
- The president's inner circle was filled with sycophants who constantly praised him.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from ancient Greece, where it originally referred to someone who informed on others for a reward.
- In classical Greek, 'sykophantēs' literally means 'fig-revealer,' which may have referred to an informer who 'revealed' something to authorities.
Literature
- Molière's play 'Tartuffe' features a character that epitomizes the traits of a sycophant, using flattery to exploit the wealthy.
- In Shakespeare’s 'Julius Caesar', characters like Casca can be seen as sycophants, as they flatter Caesar while also betraying him.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that sycophantic behavior can be driven by a desire for social acceptance and fear of rejection.
- Sycophants often engage in manipulative tactics to fit into social hierarchies, enhancing their chances of personal gain.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, characters depicted as sycophants often serve as comedic relief, showcasing the absurdity of excessive flattery.
- Reality shows frequently highlight sycophantic behavior, with participants flattering judges or influential figures to gain an advantage.
Politics
- Throughout history, many leaders have surrounded themselves with sycophants, which can cloud their judgment and lead to poor decision-making.
- Political sycophants are often criticized for undermining democratic processes by perpetuating favoritism and corruption.
Translations
Translations of the word "sycophant" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bajulador
🇮🇳 चापलूस (chāpalūs)
🇩🇪 Schmeichler
🇮🇩 penjilat
🇺🇦 підлесник
🇵🇱 pochlebca
🇯🇵 おべっか使い (obekka tsukai)
🇫🇷 flagorneur
🇪🇸 adulador
🇹🇷 yalaka
🇰🇷 아첨꾼 (acheomkkun)
🇸🇦 منافق (munafiq)
🇨🇿 lichotník
🇸🇰 lichotník
🇨🇳 谄媚者 (chǎnmèi zhě)
🇸🇮 prilizovalec
🇮🇸 smjaðr
🇰🇿 жағымпаз (jağympaz)
🇬🇪 მლიქვნელი (mlikvneli)
🇦🇿 yaltaq
🇲🇽 adulador