brown-nose
/ˈbraʊn ˈnoʊz/ · brown·nose
noun
- A person who ingratiates themselves with someone in authority by excessive flattery or servile behavior. Everyone recognized him as a brown‑nose, always agreeing with the boss to get promotions.
verb
- To flatter or ingratiate oneself with someone in authority, often insincerely. She tried to brown‑nose the committee by complimenting every member’s ideas.
adjective
- Characterized by excessive flattery or servile behavior toward authority. His brown‑nosing attitude made the team uneasy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase entered mainstream American English during World War II, when soldiers used it to mock comrades who tried to curry favor with superiors, likening them to dogs with dirty noses.