bootlicky

Definitions

Prone to bootlicking; obsequious; servile.

derogatory, informal

Examples

“If Peter Arnett had been anywhere near as bootlicky and obsequious with Saddam Hussein as Alan Simpson was in a visit⟳ to the Iraqi dictator last⟳ April, we could understand⟳ why the CNN correspondent was being assaulted for his interviews and coverage.”

“Getting scolded like⟳ a child was hard to take⟳, especially in front of her. But he couldn’t blame⟳ Pa after what happened yesterday. So he gave Pa a nod that he hoped wasn’t too bootlicky and turned Old Dun toward the Crossing.”

“He gave me a blow⟳ low enough to look⟳ gentlemanly, not bootlicky.”

CEFR level