bootlick

American

[boot-lik] / ˈbutˌlɪk /

verb (used with object)

to seek the favor or goodwill of in a servile, degraded way; toady to.

Synonyms:

apple-polish, fawn, flatter

verb (used without object)

to be a toady.

Synonyms:

apple-polish, fawn, flatter

bootlick British

/ ˈbuːtˌlɪk /

verb

informal to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

bootlicker

noun

Etymology

Origin of bootlick

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot ¹ + lick

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

bootlick

"I don't stand for a bootlick," replied Cadet Stubbs.

From Dick Prescotts's Fourth Year at West Point Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock

He became a "bone," and tried so hard to delight his instructors that he was suspected of boning bootlick with the Academic Board.

From Dick Prescott's Third Year at West Point Standing Firm for Flag and Honor by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock

"Then how can you stand for a bootlick?" shot out Jordan angrily.

From Dick Prescotts's Fourth Year at West Point Ready to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock

"Bootlick, bootlick," I heard in murmurs all over the hall.

From The Harbor by Ernest Poole

"I've never been one of the authorities on bootlick."

From Dick Prescott's Third Year at West Point Standing Firm for Flag and Honor by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023