Definition

Noun: - The teacher's favorite student: A student who is perceived to be favored by the teacher, often because they are overly eager, obedient, or successful. This term is frequently used by other students, often with a negative or teasing connotation of disapproval or jealousy.

Usage

The term "teacher's pet" is used to label a student. It is typically used by peers, not by teachers, and carries an implication that the student is trying too hard to gain the teacher's approval.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• As a metaphorical label: The concept can be extended metaphorically to any environment where one person is perceived as the favorite of an authority figure.
  • In our office, she's the manager's pet, always getting the best projects.

Variants and Related Words

• Pet student: A less common, more literal variant.
• Apple-polisher (noun, informal): A synonym implying that the person is trying to gain favor through flattery or servile behavior.
• Brown-noser (noun, vulgar slang): A crude synonym with a stronger negative connotation.

Synonyms

• Favorite
• Blue-eyed boy (idiomatic, often for a male)
• Fair-haired boy (idiomatic, often for a male)

Antonyms

• Troublemaker
• Underachiever

Related Idioms & Phrases

• To be in someone's good books: To be favored or approved of by someone in authority. While similar, this phrase is more general and not exclusively used in an academic context or with a negative connotation.
  • He's been in the boss's good books since he landed the big client.

Noun

1. the teacher's favorite student