(UK, Ireland, idiomatic, sometimes, vulgar, colloquial) , to curry favour with the powerful by obsequious flattery.
(UK, Ireland, idiomatic, sometimes, vulgar, colloquial) , to curry favour with the powerful by obsequious flattery.
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UK and Irish slang — Cockney, Scouse, Geordie, Yorkshire, Glaswegian, Brummie, Welsh, West Country, plus Irish English. Centuries of regional dialects feeding into modern British and Irish street talk.
See all British & Irish slang slang on Slangora.
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(idiomatic, slang) To flatter someone (especially a superior) in an obsequious manner, and to support their every opinion to gain their favor.
(North America, slang) An obsequious person who tries to win the favor of someone, usually their superior.
(North America, slang, vulgar) Someone who kisses ass (who acts obsequiously in order to gain another's favor).
British vulgar slang with two distinct senses. The literal sense refers to anilingus (oral-anal sexual contact), though this usage is relatively uncommon in everyday speech. Far more current is the figurative sense: obsequious, fawning behaviour aimed at gaining favour — the kind of shameless flattery and sycophancy associated with office politics or social climbing. 'Arse-licker' is the common agent noun. The figurative use is direct, contemptuous, and vivid — making it a popular insult for obvious flatterers.