toadyish

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Word: Toadyish

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "toadyish" describes someone who is trying very hard to win the approval or favor of someone more powerful or important, often by using excessive flattery or praise. It's like being overly nice in a way that feels insincere or fake.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "toadyish" to describe someone who is excessively flattering or sycophantic, especially in a professional or hierarchical context.
• It is often used in a negative sense.

Example:

• "His toadyish behavior around the boss made his coworkers uncomfortable."

Advanced Usage:

• "Toadyish" can be used in formal writing or discussions about workplace dynamics, social hierarchies, or political situations.

Word Variants:

• Toady (noun): A person who flatters or ingratiates themselves with someone in power.
• Toadying (verb): The act of trying to win favor through flattery.

Different Meaning:

While "toadyish" specifically refers to flattery aimed at gaining favor, the root word "toady" can also imply someone who is submissive or servile, not just flattering.

Synonyms:

• Sycophantic
• Obsequious
• Servile
• Fawning
• Ingratiating

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms that use "toadyish," but related phrases include: - "Brown-nosing": This informal phrase means to flatter someone in a way that is seen as insincere. - "Kissing up": This is another informal way to describe someone who tries to gain favor through excessive flattery.

Summary:

"Toadyish" refers to behavior that is overly flattering in order to gain favor from someone influential.

Academic

Adjective

1. attempting to win favor by flattery
2. attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery

Synonyms

• bootlicking
• fawning
• sycophantic
• obsequious