flunkeyism
Flunkeyism (noun): - Servile behaviour: the practice or attitude of behaving like a flunkey, characterized by excessive deference, obsequiousness, or fawning towards those in authority or of higher social status. - Lackeyism: a tendency to adopt a subservient or sycophantic manner, often for personal gain or to curry favour.
- (Servile behaviour aimed at gaining royal approval.)
- (Excessive deference shown to a superior.)
- (Sycophantic behaviour in a professional context.)
"to be marked by flunkeyism": to be characterized by servile, obsequious conduct.
- The corporate culture was marked by flunkeyism, with employees afraid to disagree with management. (The workplace was defined by subservient attitudes.)
"a spirit of flunkeyism": a prevailing attitude of excessive deference.
- A spirit of flunkeyism had taken hold in the department, stifling honest feedback. (An environment of sycophancy.)
Flunkey (noun): a person who behaves in a servile or obsequious way, especially towards someone of higher status; also, a liveried servant or footman.
- He acted like a flunkey, always rushing to open doors for his manager. (A servile person.)
Flunkeyish (adjective): resembling or characteristic of a flunkey; servile.
- Her flunkeyish smile made everyone uncomfortable. (Sycophantic expression.)
- Sycophancy: excessive flattery or praise aimed at gaining favour.
- Obsequiousness: an exaggerated willingness to obey or please others.
- Servility: a submissive or slavish attitude.
Kiss up to: to flatter or behave obsequiously towards someone in authority.
- He was always kissing up to the principal, a clear example of flunkeyism. (Sycophantic behaviour.)
Brown-nose: to curry favour by obsequious behaviour.
- Her constant brown-nosing at work was pure flunkeyism. (Excessive flattery for personal advantage.)