Definition

1. Noun:
   • Fawning obsequiousness: The behavior or practice of acting in an excessively flattering, servile, or submissive manner towards someone in authority or power, typically to gain favor or advantage. It implies insincerity and self-serving motives.

Usage

• General Use: Used to describe behavior that is excessively obedient, flattering, or deferential, especially when it is perceived as insincere and motivated by self-interest.
• Context: Commonly used in political, social, and workplace contexts to criticize behavior seen as servile flattery.

Examples

• The CEO was surrounded by an atmosphere of sycophancy, where employees praised every idea, no matter how flawed.
• His rapid promotion was attributed more to sycophancy than to genuine competence.
• The memoir exposed the culture of sycophancy within the royal court.

Advanced Usage

• "To be guilty of sycophancy": To be culpable for engaging in servile flattery.
  • The advisor was accused of being guilty of sycophancy for never contradicting the leader.
• "A culture of sycophancy": An environment where flattering those in power is the norm.
  • The organization failed because it fostered a culture of sycophancy over honest feedback.

Variants and Related Words

• Sycophant (n): A person who practices sycophancy; a servile flatterer.
  • He was seen as a mere sycophant, not a trusted advisor.
• Sycophantic (adj): Characterized by or given to sycophancy.
  • Her sycophantic praise made her colleagues uncomfortable.

Synonyms

• Obsequiousness: Excessive eagerness to serve or obey.
• Fawning: Displaying exaggerated flattery or affection.
• Servility: An excessive willingness to serve or please others.
• Flattery (when insincere): Excessive and insincere praise.

Antonyms

• Independence: Freedom from the influence or control of others.
• Frankness: The quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing.
• Assertiveness: Confident and forceful behavior.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To curry favor": To seek to gain favor through flattery or attentions. This is a related concept, though not a direct idiom with the word "sycophancy" itself.
  • He was always currying favor with the management, a clear act of sycophancy.

Noun

1. fawning obsequiousness