Flattery

/ˈflæt.ər.i/

Meaning & Definition

noun

Excessive or insincere praise, typically given to gain favor or advantage.

Her flattery of the manager helped her secure the promotion she desired.

A compliment that is not sincere or is exaggerated.

He was well aware that the flattery from his colleagues was merely a tactic to avoid criticism.

The act of giving excessive compliments.

Flattery won't get you anywhere with someone who values honesty above all.

Derived from the verb 'flatter', which comes from Middle English 'flateren', meaning to flatter or to praise.

sweet talk

Flattery that is intended to charm or persuade someone.

soft soap

To flatter someone; to speak in a way that is meant to appease or persuade.

buttering up

To flatter someone to gain their favor or good will.

compliment

A polite expression of praise or admiration.

adulation

Excessive praise or admiration.

sweet nothings

He whispered sweet nothings to her, flattering her with his words.

brown-nosing

She was brown-nosing all day, trying to win over the boss with flattery.