What does brown nosing mean? Explained
What does brown nosing mean
Pronunciation
/ˈbraʊn ˈnoʊsɪŋ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The act of trying to win favor or influence with someone, especially by flattering or praising them excessively, often in a way that is insincere or overly subservient.
Examples
- The politician was accused of brown nosing with the wealthy donor.
- The employee tried to brown nose her boss by offering to do extra work without being asked.
Synonyms
- Flattery
- Sycophancy
Antonyms
- Honesty
- Integrity
Etymology
The term “brown nosing” is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when a brown nosing person was one who actively sought to please or curry favor with someone of higher social status, often by wearing brown nose color clothing or accessories.
Usage Notes
Brown nosing is often used to describe behavior that is considered insincere or overly flattering, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any attempt to win favor or influence with someone.
Cultural References
The term “brown nosing” has been referenced in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and literature, often to describe characters who are overly subservient or try to curry favor with someone.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Kiss up
- Bootlicker
Related Words or Phrases
- Sycophant
- Flatterer
Collocations
- Will do anything to brown nose
- Is a brown noser
Frequency of Use
Brown nosing is a relatively common term in modern language, with a frequency of use that is moderate to high.
Common Misspellings
- Brownsing
- Brownosing