Toadying

Toadying (also known as fawning or sycophancy) is the act of behaving in an obsequious or servile manner towards someone considered important, in the hope of gaining favor or advantage. It involves excessive flattery, attempts to please, and a willingness to agree with, or even promote, the views and wishes of the person being toed. It is often motivated by self-interest, a desire for social advancement, or the avoidance of displeasure. While seemingly harmless, Toadying is often perceived as insincere and can undermine the toady's own credibility and respect. Genuine admiration or respect is not toadying, but the performance of excessive praise often is. Those who practice Toadying often have the ability to recognize the person in positions of power who might benefit them.

Toadying meaning with examples

• The intern, desperate to impress the CEO, engaged in constant Toadying, agreeing with every opinion and showering her with compliments. He would bring the CEO's coffee every morning and clear her desk without being asked. While he received some attention, other coworkers found him to be inauthentic and manipulative, causing him to fail at securing a promotion. Ultimately, his attempts to please backfired due to his insincere behavior.
• The political aide's career thrived on Toadying to the senator, constantly praising his decisions and echoing his rhetoric. He quickly learned what topics to discuss and how to phrase his agreement in ways that would most impress the senator. His relentless flattery, while initially effective in gaining influence, eventually led to colleagues avoiding him for his perceived lack of integrity. The strategy worked and he was promoted several times.
• In the corporate environment, new employees often resort to Toadying towards their superiors to demonstrate loyalty and ambition. They might stay late to finish small tasks, take notes in excessive detail during meetings, and constantly offer to assist. Though this can sometimes lead to advancements, it can also hinder relationships with peers and create a perception of a lack of independent thought. The behavior can cause resentment among those who feel it is a shortcut to recognition.
• During the Renaissance, artists often engaged in Toadying to wealthy patrons to secure commissions. They would flatter the patron's intelligence and taste, incorporating their likeness into their work and conforming to their aesthetic preferences. This act of flattery, while successful in obtaining work, often meant the artist had less autonomy over their creativity, being forced to adhere to others' concepts rather than their own imagination and inspiration.
• In classic literature, characters frequently employ Toadying to gain the upper hand in social situations or manipulate others. For example, a character may constantly agree with the most influential person in a room, or seek to flatter their ego through empty praise. The success of these efforts is often short-lived, revealing the dishonesty of the practitioner. These examples highlight the universal aspects of Toadying and its inherent insincerity, whether it be in the 21st century or centuries past.