Brownnosers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Acolytes or sycophants who excessively flatter someone in authority for personal gain or favor
2. Individuals who ingratiate themselves through insincere praise or adulation to advance their own interests
3. People who engage in obsequious behavior, often to seek approval or benefits from a superior

Etymology: "Brownnosers" is the plural of "brownnoser," so its history is that of the singular noun. The compound is built from "brown," in the sense of the colour, and "nose," with the agent-forming "-er" suffix, describing someone who kisses up to a superior. The image of pressing one's face against a person of higher rank, with the resulting smudge, is the basis for the expression, though the precise first recorded use is not something I can confirm. Because the word is a plain compound of two ordinary English words plus a suffix, there is no borrowed root or distant ancestor to trace. Its meaning is transparent from its parts, and its vividness comes from the physical picture rather than from any long journey through other languages.

Synonyms: sycophants, flatterers, fawning, obsequious, toadies

Antonyms: critics, detractors, opposers, rebels, nonconformists