toadyism

A junior employee engages in blatant toadyism by laughing too loudly at the boss's joke.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Obsequious flattery: "toadyism" refers to the practice of excessively praising or fawning over someone in a position of power or influence, typically to gain personal advantage or favor.

Usage Examples

• (His excessive flattery was transparent.)
• (He advanced through sycophantic behavior.)

Advanced Usage

• "a culture of toadyism": an environment where sycophantic behavior is common or encouraged.
  • The corporate headquarters was notorious for its culture of toadyism, where employees competed to flatter the CEO. (A workplace dominated by obsequiousness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Toady (noun): a person who practices toadyism; a sycophant or flatterer.

  • He was known as a toady, always agreeing with the boss no matter what. (A person who flatters excessively.)

• Toady (verb): to behave like a toady; to flatter obsequiously.

  • She toadied to the professor in hopes of a better grade. (She flattered excessively.)

• Toadyish (adjective): characteristic of a toady or toadyism.

  • His toadyish behavior was embarrassing to watch. (Excessively flattering and servile.)

Synonyms

• Sycophancy: the practice of flattering powerful people to gain favor.
• Obsequiousness: excessive willingness to serve or please others.
• Servility: submissive behavior, often with flattery.

Related Idioms

• Kiss up to someone: to flatter someone excessively, especially a superior.

  • He's always kissing up to the boss — it's pure toadyism. (He flatters the boss obsequiously.)

• Brown-nose: to curry favor by flattery; similar to toadyism.

  • Her brown-nosing was a classic example of toadyism in the workplace. (Her flattery was obvious.)