bootlick

[ boot-lik ]

verb (used with object)

1. to seek the favor or goodwill of in a servile, degraded way; toady to.

   Synonyms: apple-polish, fawn, flatter

verb (used without object)

1. to be a toady.

   Synonyms: apple-polish, fawn, flatter

bootlick

/ ˈbuːtˌlɪk /

verb

1. informal.
   to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady

Derived Forms

• ˈbootˌlicker, noun

Other Words From

• boot·lick·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bootlick¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot ¹ + lick

Example Sentences

In its affection for the rig’s working-class human inhabitants — pointedly not its bootlicking middle managers — Still Wakes the Deep lays out a politics inseparable from place.

From New York Times

Tiara-crowned, dressed in a gown made of white dinner gloves, and wielding a whip, she castigated the gathered company: “That’s enough! No more bootlicking. Black art must take more risks.”

From New York Times

After all, they have no agenda other than Trumpian vengeance, obstruction and bootlicking.

From Salon

As Mickelson, McDowell and the rest of their Saudi bootlicking company demonstrate, where would the soul of mankind be without golf’s influence on the creative search for self-exoneration for our bad decisions and worst shots?

From Washington Post

Newsmax's bootlicking has earned it a spot in lawsuits seeking billions of dollars from individuals and outlets promoting "baseless election fraud claims."

From Salon