Toadyism: meaning, definitions and examples
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toadyism
[ ˈtoʊdiˌɪzəm ]
social behavior
Toadyism refers to excessive flattery or servility towards someone in power, often for personal gain. It denotes behavior characterized by sycophancy or obsequiousness, where one seeks to ingratiate themselves with authority figures.
Synonyms
fawning, flattery, obsequiousness, servility, sycophancy.
Examples of usage
- His toadyism impressed the boss, but it alienated his colleagues.
- The political landscape was rife with toadyism as advisors sought favor from the new administration.
- Toadyism can often undermine genuine efforts and dialogue in a workplace.
- Her toadyism was evident during the meeting when she praised every idea the manager proposed.
Translations
Translations of the word "toadyism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 toadismo
🇮🇳 मेंढ़कवाद
🇩🇪 Krötentum
🇮🇩 kreativitas katak
🇺🇦 тоадизм
🇵🇱 żabizm
🇯🇵 ヒキガエル主義
🇫🇷 toadisme
🇪🇸 toadismo
🇹🇷 kurbağaizm
🇰🇷 두꺼비주의
🇸🇦 إيديولوجية الضفدع
🇨🇿 žabismus
🇸🇰 žabizmus
🇨🇳 蟾蜍主义
🇸🇮 žabizem
🇮🇸 skjaldborgarhyggja
🇰🇿 тоадизм
🇬🇪 ბაყაყიზმი
🇦🇿 qurbağaizm
🇲🇽 toadismo
Etymology
The term 'toadyism' originated in the 17th century, deriving from the word 'toady,' which refers to a person who takes on the role of a sycophant or a flatterer. The roots of 'toady' are somewhat debated, but it is commonly believed to have come from 'toad-eater,' a slang term used in the 16th century for someone who would flatter or serve others in hopes of receiving favors or monetary gain. This negative connotation of servitude to someone of higher status established 'toady' as a pejorative term. With the incorporation of the '-ism' suffix, 'toadyism' was formed to denote the practice or phenomenon of such portrayal in social dynamics. This concept has been critically addressed throughout history, often linked to political maneuvering and interpersonal relationships where subservience is used as a tool for advancement.