ass-kissing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-medium frequency. Common in informal contexts, political/business commentary, and satire.Vulgar slang. Strongly informal, pejorative, and offensive in formal or polite contexts.
Quick answer
What does “ass-kissing” mean?
Excessive flattery or obsequious behavior to gain favor or advantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive flattery or obsequious behavior to gain favor or advantage.
Any act of servile deference, insincere praise, or fawning, typically directed towards a superior. The related adjective 'ass-kissing' describes such behavior or a person who engages in it. Verb forms: 'ass-kiss', 'ass-kisses', 'ass-kissing', 'ass-kissed'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British variant is 'arse-kissing' ('arse' being the British vulgar term for buttocks). 'Ass-kissing' is primarily American, though widely understood globally due to media influence.
Connotations
Identically strong negative connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
'Arse-kissing' is less common in UK speech than synonyms like 'crawling' or 'sycophancy'. 'Ass-kissing' is moderately common in American informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “ass-kissing” in a Sentence
[Subject] engage in ass-kissing (of [Target])The ass-kissing from [Flatterer] to [Target] was obvious.[Target] is tired of the ass-kissing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ass-kissing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He spent the whole meeting arse-kissing the new director.
- Stop arse-kissing for a moment and do some actual work.
American English
- She's been ass-kissing the boss all week hoping for a raise.
- I refuse to ass-kiss my way to the top.
adverb
British English
- He smiled arse-kissingly at every stupid joke the CEO told.
American English
- She laughed ass-kissingly at the manager's unfunny anecdote.
adjective
British English
- His arse-kissing comments were embarrassing to witness.
- It was a transparently arse-kissing proposal.
American English
- He has an ass-kissing attitude that makes everyone roll their eyes.
- The email was full of ass-kissing praise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The promotion was based on merit, not office ass-kissing." Used to criticize corporate sycophancy.
Academic
Virtually never used in formal academic writing; may appear in informal student discourse or critical cultural studies analyzing power dynamics.
Everyday
"I'm not going to that party if it's just going to be two hours of ass-kissing." Used among friends in casual conversation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ass-kissing”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ass-kissing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ass-kissing”
- Using it in a formal or professional setting. Misspelling: 'askissing', 'asskissing'. Confusing 'ass-kissing' (behavior) with 'ass-kisser' (person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, due to the vulgar term 'ass' (arse in UK), it is considered strong, informal slang and is inappropriate in formal, polite, or professional settings.
'Flattery' can be mild, occasional, or even playful. 'Ass-kissing' implies a systematic, excessive, and servile form of flattery with a clear goal of personal gain, carrying a much stronger negative judgment.
Yes, often in a self-deprecating or exaggerated way among friends (e.g., 'Okay, I'll do some serious ass-kissing to get us those concert tickets.'). Its inherent vulgarity amplifies the humor in informal contexts.
'Ass-kisser' (US) or 'Arse-kisser' (UK). Synonyms include 'sycophant', 'bootlicker', 'brown-noser', 'toady'.
Excessive flattery or obsequious behavior to gain favor or advantage.
Ass-kissing is usually vulgar slang. strongly informal, pejorative, and offensive in formal or polite contexts. in register.
Ass-kissing: in British English it is pronounced /ɑːsˈkɪsɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /æsˈkɪsɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Kiss ass (verb phrase)”
- “Ass-kisser (noun, person)”
- “He/she has lips firmly planted on the boss's backside.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture someone literally kissing a donkey's (ass's) rear end to get a reward – an exaggerated, demeaning, and servile act.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVILITY IS A DEGRADING PHYSICAL ACT (kissing a low/backside body part). POWER/SUPERIORITY IS A HIGHER PHYSICAL POSITION (the person being flattered).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'ass-kissing' be LEAST appropriate?