teacher's pet
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- the teacher's favorite student