Definition

Noun: A person who uses excessive flattery, praise, or subservient behavior toward someone (especially a superior) in order to gain favor, approval, or a personal advantage. This term is informal and vulgar, implying insincerity and a lack of integrity.

Usage

This word is a compound noun. It is used as a countable noun to describe a person. Due to its vulgar nature, it is considered highly informal and offensive. It is typically used in casual, critical, or derogatory contexts.

Examples

• The new manager was a shameless ass-kisser, always agreeing with the boss and laughing at his unfunny jokes.
• He got the promotion not through hard work but by being the CEO's favorite ass-kisser.
• She saw right through the ass-kissers who suddenly wanted to be her friend after she won the award.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in verb form as "to kiss ass" or "to kiss someone's ass."
  • He's always kissing the boss's ass to get ahead.
• The behavior itself can be referred to as "ass-kissing."
  • I'm tired of the constant ass-kissing in this office.

Variants and Related Words

• Sycophant (noun): A more formal, literary term for a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
• Brown-noser (noun): A slightly less vulgar but still informal synonym.
• Toady (noun): A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor.
• Bootlicker (noun): A person who acts in a servile or flattering manner.
• Flatterer (noun): A more general term for someone who praises others excessively, often insincerely, but without the strong connotation of seeking advancement.

Synonyms

• Flatterer
• Yes-man
• Fawner
• Groveler

Phrasal Verbs / Related Verb Phrases

• To kiss up to (someone): To flatter or be overly obedient to someone to gain favor. (A slightly less offensive alternative).
  • He's always kissing up to the department head.
• To suck up to (someone): Another informal and vulgar synonym for behaving obsequiously.
  • Stop sucking up to the teacher.

Idioms / Related Expressions

• To curry favor: To seek to gain favor through flattery or attentiveness. (A more polite idiom).
  • He brought coffee every morning to curry favor with his supervisor.
• To be someone's lapdog: To be completely subservient and obedient to someone.
  • The assistant was nothing more than the manager's lapdog.

Noun

1. a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage