brownnose

Brownnose is a slang term for a person who flatters someone in a position of authority to gain favorable treatment; as a verb, to brown-nose means to engage in obsequious flattery. It is informal and often considered pejorative. The term is typically used in workplace, politics, schools, or any setting where someone seeks advantage from superiors or influential individuals by ingratiating behavior.

Etymology: The exact origin is unclear; attested in American English in the 20th century. The imagery refers to the idea of one's nose being in close contact with a superior's posterior area metaphorically, though such explanation is anecdotal. The phrase is frequently hyphenated in older sources; less common forms include brown-noser (noun) and brown-nosing (gerund).

Usage and nuance: Brown-nosing is generally condemned as inauthentic or opportunistic, though some contexts may view it as strategic networking or polite professional conduct, depending on tone. It contrasts with legitimate professionalism or merit-based praise. The term is related to other descriptors such as sycophant, toady, kiss-ass, and bootlicker.

Effects and context: The use of brown-nose can undermine trust if discovered and may backfire when credibility is questioned by colleagues. Some organizations discourage overt flattery and reward transparent performance. The concept appears in discussions of workplace culture, leadership dynamics, and political discourse.