bootlicker

/'bu:t,likə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: A person who behaves in an excessively obedient or flattering way toward someone in authority, typically to gain favor or advantage. This involves showing exaggerated respect and humility, often at the expense of one's own dignity or self-respect.

Usage

The term "bootlicker" is a strong, informal, and derogatory noun used to criticize someone for being servile and fawning. It describes a person who uses flattery and subservience to curry favor with a superior.

Examples
  • The manager was surrounded by bootlickers who agreed with every idea, no matter how bad.
  • He was accused of being a bootlicker after he constantly praised the CEO in hopes of a promotion.
  • True leaders value honest feedback, not the empty compliments of bootlickers.
Advanced Usage
  • To be a bootlicker: To habitually act in a servile manner.
    • He's not a genuine supporter; he's just a bootlicker.
  • Bootlicking (gerund/noun): The act or behavior of a bootlicker.
    • The culture of bootlicking in that office is toxic.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bootlick (verb): To act as a bootlicker; to behave obsequiously.
    • He spent the evening bootlicking the senior partners.
  • Bootlicking (adjective): Describing servile behavior.
    • His bootlicking attitude was obvious to everyone.
Synonyms
  • Sycophant: A person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain advantage.
  • Toady: A person who behaves obsequiously to gain favor.
  • Yes-man: A person who always agrees with superiors, regardless of their own opinion.
  • Flatterer: A person who lavishes praise, often insincerely.
  • Lackey: A servile follower; a person who performs menial tasks for someone important.
Antonyms
  • Independent thinker
  • Straight shooter
  • Nonconformist
Idioms and Phrases
  • To lick someone's boots: To behave in a servile, fawning manner toward someone. This is the verbal phrase from which "bootlicker" is derived.
    • He would rather quit than lick the boss's boots for a raise.
Noun
  1. someone who humbles himself as a sign of respect; who behaves as if he had no self-respect

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