gnathonic

American  

[na-thon-ik] / næˈθɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. sycophantic; fawning.

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gnathonic British  

/ næˈθɒnɪk /

adjective

1. literary deceitfully flattering; sycophantic

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• gnathonically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of gnathonic

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin gnathōnicus, derivative of Gnathōn- (stem of Gnathō ) name of a sycophantic character in the Roman comedy Eunuchus by Terence; see -ic

Explanation

That co-worker at your part-time job who always compliments the boss and offers to do all kinds of little extra tasks is gnathonic. They’re trying to gain favor by flattery and fawning. English has numerous words for people who will say and do just about anything to kiss up to the boss or someone who is wealthy or powerful. In the past, students looking to be a "teacher’s pet" would offer to shine the teacher's apple, and so were called apple polishers. A toady was someone who traveled with a touring showman and willingly ate a toad at his bidding as part of the act. And a sycophant (adjective form: sycophantic) is yet another word for a fawning person. Gnathonic comes from Gnatho, the name of a character in an ancient Roman play who flattered others.

Example Sentences

"That Jack's is somewhat of a gnathonic and parasitic soul, or stomach, all Bideford apple-women know; but I suspect more than Deus Venter has brought him hither."

From Westward Ho!, or, the voyages and adventures of Sir Amyas Leigh, Knight, of Burrough, in the county of Devon, in the reign of her most glorious majesty Queen Elizabeth by Kingsley, Charles