Kissing-up

The act of ingratiating oneself with someone in power, often through flattery or sycophantic behavior, in order to gain favor, approval, or advantage. This behavior is often deemed insincere and manipulative, as it prioritizes personal gain over genuine relationships or interactions. kissing-up can occur in various contexts, including professional environments, social situations, or familial settings, where an individual seeks to elevate their status or secure a desired outcome by appealing to those in authority.

Kissing-up meaning with examples

• During team meetings, Jenny was always kissing-up to the boss, praising his decisions endlessly to secure her promotion, much to the dismay of her coworkers who felt it undermined genuine teamwork.
• Mark’s relentless kissing-up to his teacher failed to impress his peers, who believed that authentic learning required more than simply buttering someone up for better grades.
• In an effort to be noticed during the group project, Alex resorted to kissing-up to their classmates, constantly complimenting their ideas in hopes of being included in discussions and decisions.
• The politician’s kissing-up to influential donors was evident during the campaign, leading to accusations of pandering and raising questions about integrity among his constituents.
• Clara realized that kissing-up to her parents for more lenient rules did not always yield the desired effect; they often saw through her flattery and insisted on maintaining their boundaries.