Brown-noser

A colloquial term referring to a person who engages in excessive flattery or ingratiating behavior toward someone in authority, often for personal gain or to gain favor. This term is often used pejoratively to describe individuals who lack authenticity and may compromise their integrity in pursuit of approval. Typically, brown-nosing is seen as insincere and manipulative, and such individuals may be characterized as submissive or overly eager to please.

Brown-noser meaning with examples

• During the team meeting, it was clear that Sarah was a brown-noser; she spent the entire session praising the manager while downplaying the hard work of her colleagues. Her behavior left a sour taste and made others question her loyalty to the team.
• John was often labeled a brown-noser because he would frequently bring coffee and donuts to his boss's office, hoping to score some extra points for his upcoming performance review. While he felt this would make him look good, many viewed it as a desperate attempt to curry favor.
• When the new director attended the company party, Mark became the ultimate brown-noser, ensuring he was by her side at all times, laughing at her jokes and agreeing with everything she said. His excessive flattery was noted by his peers, who found it embarrassing.
• The interns were warned about a brown-noser in their ranks who would do anything to impress the senior staff, from running errands to offering unsolicited support during presentations. Most interns preferred genuine collaboration over his insincere tactics.
• At the office, Lisa was often teased for being a brown-noser as she constantly praised their boss's every decision, no matter how trivial. While she believed her approach demonstrated her commitment, it instead raised eyebrows and fostered resentment among her coworkers.