Sycophant

Definition

A person who acts obsequiously to someone important to gain advantage; a flatterer or yes-man who curries favor through insincere praise and compliance.

Example Usage

The executive was surrounded by sycophants who agreed with every idea regardless of merit.

Origin

From Greek sykophantēs, possibly from sykon (fig) + phainein (to show), originally meaning 'fig-shower' or informer; later applied to flatterers and false accusers.

Fun Fact

In ancient Athens, the term had a more specific legal meaning: an informer who would bring cases for personal gain, especially regarding figs and their export.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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