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Toady Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toady

[ˈtoʊdi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

flattering

A person who behaves obsequiously to someone important in order to gain an advantage.

Synonyms

brown-noser, flatterer, sycophant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toady

Used to describe someone who excessively flatters or behaves obsequiously to someone important, usually for personal gain. It often has a negative and contemptuous tone.

  • He's just a toady who does whatever the boss says.
  • She can't stand the toadies in the office always trying to please the manager.
sycophant

Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe someone who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage. It carries a strong negative connotation and is synonymous with being a servile flatterer.

  • The politician was surrounded by sycophants who praised his every move.
  • She despised the sycophants in the court who constantly vied for the king's favor.
flatterer

This term can be neutral or slightly negative, used to describe someone who gives excessive or insincere praise. It can fit both formal and informal contexts.

  • He's a skillful flatterer who always knows what to say.
  • Be careful around flatterers; they might have ulterior motives.
brown-noser

Commonly used in informal contexts to label someone who tries too hard to impress superiors, often perceived negatively. It suggests a lack of authenticity and a willingness to do anything for approval.

  • Everyone knows he's a brown-noser, always complimenting the teacher to get good grades.
  • Stop being such a brown-noser; it's embarrassing.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being a toady to the boss.
  • Stop being a toady and stand up for yourself.
  • She was tired of being surrounded by toadies.
  • The toady constantly praised his superior in hopes of promotion.
  • The toady's insincere flattery was transparent to everyone.
Context #2 | Noun

servile

A person who flatters or defers to others for self-serving reasons.

Synonyms

apple-polisher, bootlicker, yes-man.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toady

Used in a negative context to describe someone who flatters or defers to others excessively, usually for personal gain or favor. It suggests a lack of self-respect.

  • He's nothing but a toady, always agreeing with the boss just to stay in her good graces.
  • The new employee quickly became a toady, eager to please anyone in a position of power.
bootlicker

Used in a very negative context to describe someone who behaves in a subservient or obsequious way towards those in power. It implies a complete lack of dignity and independence.

  • Everyone in the department knows he's a bootlicker, never questioning the boss's decisions.
  • Her colleagues resent her for being a bootlicker, constantly seeking approval from the higher-ups.
yes-man

Used in a negative context to describe someone who always agrees with their superiors, often without critical thinking or questioning. This person is seen as lacking originality and courage.

  • He's just a yes-man, never voicing his own opinions in meetings.
  • The CEO surrounds himself with yes-men, which is why the company struggles with innovation.
apple-polisher

Used in a mostly negative context to describe someone who tries to win favor by giving praise or flattery, often in a way that seems insincere or excessive.

  • Stop being such an apple-polisher! It's obvious you're just trying to impress the teacher.
  • She's the biggest apple-polisher in the office, always complimenting the managers on everything.

Examples of usage

  • The toady ingratiated himself with the wealthy elite.
  • She saw through the toady's attempts at manipulation.
  • He was nothing more than a toady seeking personal gain.
  • The toady's insincerity was evident to all.
  • The toady's actions were motivated solely by self-interest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, sycophantic characters often appear as comic relief, demonstrating how flattery can lead to humorous twists.
  • Classic literature frequently features toadying characters, emphasizing themes of loyalty and betrayal in courtly settings.

Psychology

  • The behavior associated with toadying can often stem from a deep-seated fear of rejection or a desire for acceptance in social hierarchies.
  • Research shows that some individuals may excessively flatter others as a strategy to boost their self-esteem or gain social capital.

Pop Culture

  • In various films, toadying characters often serve as comic relief, showcasing the absurdity of excessive buttering up to authority figures.
  • Animated series often depict toady-like sidekicks, caricaturing the archetype of the flatterer who indulges every demand of a more powerful character.

History

  • Throughout history, royal courts were filled with toadies, whose flattery often influenced political decisions and royal favor.
  • The term gained notoriety during the rise of authoritarian regimes, where flatterers played a critical role in maintaining a dictator's image.

Origin of 'toady'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'toady' originated in the early 19th century, initially referring to a person who acted like a 'toad' to flatter and please those in power.
  • The connection to 'toad' suggests someone who is servile and crawls close to the feet of someone more powerful, much like how a toad would stay low to the ground.

The word 'toady' originated in the 19th century and is believed to have derived from the earlier noun 'toad-eater', which referred to a charlatan's assistant who pretended to eat live toads as part of a performance. Over time, 'toady' came to describe a person who flatters or defers to others in a servile way for personal gain.

See also: toad, toadstool.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,415, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.