blandishments

Blandishments refer to words or actions intended to coax, flatter, or cajole someone into doing something. They are often characterized by pleasantries and insincere praise designed to win favor or gain an advantage. The term can describe a variety of persuasive tactics, ranging from gentle persuasion to more overt attempts at manipulation. While blandishments can sometimes be used in a benign way, such as to encourage a child, they often carry a connotation of being disingenuous or even deceptive. The underlying intention behind blandishments is typically to influence the recipient's behavior or decisions through positive reinforcement or appeals to their vanity. In essence, they are smooth or flattering remarks used to persuade.