What does brown nose mean Meaning and Definition
What does brown nose mean
Pronunciation
/broun nōz mēn/
Part of Speech
Noun, Adverb, Verb
Definition
A phrase used to describe someone who is excessively flattering or trying to gain favor, often by complimenting or admiring someone in an insincere or exaggerated way.
Etymology
The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, when brown-nosing was a common practice in the United States, referring to the act of kissing or licking someone’s nose as a way of flattering or trying to curry favor.
Usage Notes
The phrase is often used in informal settings, such as social gatherings or everyday conversations, to describe someone who is excessively flattering or trying to gain favor. It can be used as a noun, adverb, or verb, and is often used in phrases such as “be a brown nose” or “brown-nose someone.”
Cultural References
The phrase has been referenced in popular culture in films, literature, and television shows. For example, the phrase is used in a scene in the 1994 film “The Shawshank Redemption” to describe a character’s attempt to curry favor with a prison warden.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Kiss up
- Suck up
- Butt-kiss
- Pomp and circumstance
Related Words or Phrases
- Flattery
- Sycophancy
- Gross
- Underhanded
Collocations
- Brown-nose someone
- Be a brown nose
- Practice brown-nosing
- Get caught brown-nosing
Frequency of Use
The phrase has been in relatively common use in informal settings since the late 19th century and continues to be used today in everyday conversation and popular culture.
Common Misspellings
- Brown noseing
- Bown nosing
- Brown nosing