brown noser
Definition
The meaning: A brown noser is someone who tries too hard to please someone in authority, often through excessive flattery or sycophantic behaviour.
La signification : Un brown noser (littéralement "nez marron") est une personne qui cherche à gagner les faveurs d'une figure d'autorité en flattant ou en se montrant trop servile, souvent de manière agaçante ou intéressée.
Here's an example of use: "Everyone knows she got the promotion because she’s such a brown noser."
This slang term is often used critically to describe insincere behaviour aimed at gaining advantage.
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Lèche‐bottes »» Fayot / fayote »» Carriériste obséquieux »» Flatteur intéressé »» Tête à claques (familier) Ⓐ Ce gars est un vrai lèche-bottes avec le patron. Ⓑ Elle fait la fayote pour avoir une meilleure note. English equivalents »» Sycophant »» Teacher’s pet »» Kiss-up »» Bootlicker »» Suck-up »» Toady Ⓐ He’s just a brown noser who repeats whatever the boss says. Ⓑ Don’t be such a suck-up — do your job honestly.
Dialogue
Nina: "Why does Jeff always bring coffee for the manager?" Paul: "Because he’s a total brown noser. He thinks it’ll get him promoted faster."
Etymology
Origin: The expression brown noser comes from the idea of someone being so close to a superior’s backside (figuratively) that their nose becomes "brown." It’s a crude but colourful metaphor for flattery and subservience.
Modern Usage: Common in informal and workplace settings to describe someone who flatters superiors in an exaggerated way.
Connotation: Strongly negative—implies dishonesty, opportunism, or lack of integrity.
Grammar Note: Used as a noun. Example: "Don’t be a brown noser." Related verb: "to brown-nose."
Audience
"Brown noser" is used in informal conversation, particularly in office environments, schools, or anywhere hierarchy exists.
When to use: Use it when talking about someone who flatters others excessively to gain advantage. For example: "The new intern is a real brown noser — he’s always complimenting the boss."
Dictionary Meaning
The Free Dictionary defines it as "One who seeks out the approval, attention, or support of others, especially superiors, through abject subservience, flattery, or fawning." Here's an example of use: "Tim is such an obvious brown-noser, always complementing the boss on her ideas and saying yes to anything she suggests."
News Snippet
"My feelings exactly – and to add insult to injury, there always seems to be a clique of idiotic, over-enthusiastic, brown-nosing sycophants eager to demonstrate to the bosses their loyalty to the company – yeugh!"
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For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…Brown noser & Ass kisser'
Brown noser in films
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Brown Noser"
Kiss up to someone
To flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone in authority to gain favor.
Example: "She's always kissing up to the boss, hoping for a promotion."
Apple-polisher
Someone who tries to win favor through flattery or excessive obedience.
Example: "The new intern is such an apple-polisher, bringing coffee every morning."
Bootlicker
A person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage (more vulgar than brown noser).
Example: "Nobody respects a bootlicker who can't think for themselves."
Teacher's pet
A student who is overly eager to please the teacher (school-specific version).
Example: "Mark always stays after class to help - total teacher's pet."
Yes-man
Someone who always agrees with superiors to gain favor, regardless of their own opinion.
Example: "The CEO surrounded himself with yes-men who never challenged his ideas."
Suck up to someone
To behave obsequiously towards someone in order to gain advantage (more informal/vulgar).
Example: "He's been sucking up to the director all week about her 'brilliant' presentation."
Arse licker
Someone who succumbs to authority, doing whatever authority figures ask and trying to please them in every possible way.
Example: "He's not a hardworker at all. He got to where he is by licking arse."
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