bootlicker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Derogatory
Quick answer
What does “bootlicker” mean?
A person who behaves in an excessively obedient or flattering way toward someone in authority in order to gain favor or advantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who behaves in an excessively obedient or flattering way toward someone in authority in order to gain favor or advantage.
A sycophant; someone who curries favor through servile, obsequious behavior, especially toward a superior or powerful person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Universally pejorative and contemptuous.
Frequency
Slightly more common in US political discourse, but widely understood and used in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bootlicker” in a Sentence
bootlicker of [person/authority]bootlicker to [person/authority][be/act like] a bootlickerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bootlicker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of bootlicking his way to the top.
- Stop bootlicking the professor; it's embarrassing.
American English
- She's always bootlicking the boss in hopes of a raise.
- I won't bootlick my way into that job.
adverb
British English
- He smiled bootlickingly at his superior.
American English
- She nodded bootlickingly throughout the entire meeting.
adjective
British English
- His bootlicking behaviour was transparent to everyone.
- A bootlicking memo from the deputy was circulated.
American English
- Her bootlicking attitude made her colleagues despise her.
- He sent a bootlicking email to the CEO.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe employees who excessively flatter managers for promotions. 'His promotion was due to being a shameless bootlicker, not talent.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; appears in political science, sociology, and history texts analyzing power structures.
Everyday
Common in informal criticism of someone perceived as ingratiating. 'Stop being such a bootlicker and stand up for yourself!'
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bootlicker”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bootlicker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bootlicker”
- Misspelling as 'bootlicker' (with one 't') or 'boot licker'.
- Using it for simple flattery without the element of servility to authority.
- Confusing it with 'brown-noser', which is more vulgar and US-centric.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is informal and derogatory. It is an insult implying contemptible servility.
Yes, in very informal contexts among close friends it can be used in a teasing, less harsh way (e.g., 'Stop bootlicking, you'll get the last biscuit anyway!').
A 'flatterer' uses excessive praise, while a 'bootlicker' combines that praise with acts of servile obedience directed specifically at a figure of authority.
Yes, 'to bootlick' (intransitive) and 'to bootlick [someone]' (transitive) are used, meaning to act like a bootlicker.
A person who behaves in an excessively obedient or flattering way toward someone in authority in order to gain favor or advantage.
Bootlicker is usually informal, derogatory in register.
Bootlicker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːtˌlɪk.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbuːtˌlɪk.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “brown-noser (vulgar, related)”
- “kiss up to (related verb phrase)”
- “suck up to (related verb phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone literally licking dirt off a superior's boot to gain favor - a vivid image of demeaning servility.
Conceptual Metaphor
SERVILITY IS PHYSICAL DEBASEMENT (licking a boot).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is someone MOST likely to be called a 'bootlicker'?