Fawners

Fawners are individuals who use excessive flattery and servile behavior to gain favor or advantage. They often express exaggerated praise, affection, or admiration, sometimes insincerely, to manipulate or influence others. This behavior is typically aimed at those in positions of power, authority, or perceived importance. Fawners often lack genuine regard for the person they are flattering, focusing instead on self-serving goals. Their actions are driven by a desire for personal gain, such as promotions, social acceptance, or other benefits, and they employ their flattery as a tool to achieve their objectives.

Fawners meaning with examples

• The new intern was a notorious fawner, showering the CEO with compliments and volunteering for every insignificant task. She believed this would secure her a quick promotion, regardless of her actual skills or contributions to the team. This type of sycophantic behavior often irked the other, more experienced employees. Their observations revealed her genuine lack of skills and her focus on only the boss's desires and requests.
• At the royal court, the Fawners were easily spotted, currying favor with the queen through exaggerated displays of loyalty and praise. Their obsequious mannerisms were a common sight. They would hang onto every word, never challenging or offering genuine advice. Many of the courtiers knew their motivations, but maintained cordial relationships because they felt it suited their purposes, and wanted to use their influence.
• The political campaign was rife with Fawners vying for the candidate's attention, hoping for appointments and lucrative opportunities if the campaign succeeded. Each would try to outdo the other, often employing extreme language and gestures. Their focus was rarely on the values that the candidate advocated; but instead, on their own advancement. All of their actions were driven by a desire for self-preservation.
• In the world of academia, certain students were known as Fawners, constantly praising their professors' brilliance and agreeing with their every viewpoint, even if it contradicted the prevailing facts. They often earned higher grades, but were looked down on by their peers. This kind of behavior, in the long-run, often lead to these students not improving on their skills or knowledge base. The other students understood their motivations.
• The social media influencer attracted many Fawners in their comment sections, who would shower them with adoration and validation for every post. They might even buy their merchandise and services. This behavior, while it fed their ego, was driven by the hope of gaining recognition or perhaps, getting noticed by their idol. Those same Fawners would act the same way in person as they did online.