ass-kisser
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage