Flatterers

Flatterers are individuals who excessively praise or compliment someone, often insincerely, to gain favor or advantage. Their words are typically designed to appeal to the vanity or insecurities of the recipient. The motivation behind flattery can range from a desire for personal gain, such as a promotion or a favor, to a simpler aim of avoiding conflict or maintaining a positive relationship, even if based on falsehood. Flatterers are skilled in observing a person’s weaknesses and strengths and using this knowledge to manipulate and deceive. They excel at tailoring their language to what the target wants to hear, often exaggerating positive qualities or dismissing flaws to make their target feel good or to feel validated, even when untrue. The emphasis is on external validation rather than genuine admiration or appreciation.

Flatterers meaning with examples

• The ambitious employee constantly showered the manager with compliments, flattering him about his leadership skills and project ideas in hopes of a promotion. This continuous flattery, though transparent to some colleagues, seemed to sway the manager.
• In order to secure a lucrative deal, the salesperson engaged in excessive flattery, complimenting the potential client's taste and business acumen. The lavish praise, while disingenuous, was deployed to create a positive, agreeable atmosphere.
• Political campaigns often rely on flattering rhetoric, emphasizing the positive aspects of a candidate's policies while avoiding criticisms to attract voters. The candidates are often quick to praise the electorate's intelligence and values.
• The socialite thrived on the flattery of those who desired invitations to her exclusive parties, enjoying the compliments on her appearance, wealth, and social status. She carefully cultivated these sycophantic relationships.
• Knowing the sensitive ego of her boss, the assistant responded to every suggestion with effusive praise, even when the ideas were uninspired. This constant stream of flattery was designed to maintain the peace and security of her position.