What does bootlicked mean?
"Bootlicked" is the past tense of "bootlick," meaning to flatter or fawn over someone in a conspicuously servile way, usually to gain favor, advancement, or protection. The word is informal and unmistakably derogatory: it does not merely suggest charm or diplomacy, but a demeaning eagerness to please that strips the flatterer of dignity. Someone might be described as having bootlicked their boss, a political patron, or a wealthy relative when their praise seems motivated by self-interest rather than sincerity. The term belongs to a family of vivid English expressions for sycophancy, alongside "fawn," "grovel," "toady," and "kowtow," but its literal image — a person licking boots — makes it especially cutting. Because of its contemptuous tone, it suits criticism, satire, or candid conversation far better than formal writing, where words like "obsequious" or "sycophantic" are preferred.
verb (past tense and past participle)Past tense of "bootlick": to flatter or fawn over someone obsequiously, typically to gain favor or advantage.
- To behave obsequiously toward someone in order to win their favor or approval.
"He bootlicked the chairman shamelessly in hopes of a promotion."
"She despised how her colleague bootlicked every executive who walked by."
"The courtiers bootlicked the king relentlessly, hoping for royal patronage."
It's exactly as undignified as it sounds: the word paints a flatterer as someone so servile they'd lick the mud off your boots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bootlicked
"Bootlick" is an English compound formed from "boot" and "lick," first attested in the 17th century; the verb's figurative sense of servile flattery developed from the literal image of abasing oneself before a superior. It is related in meaning to older sycophancy terms like "fawner" and "toad-eater," which arose around the same period. Its derivatives include "bootlicker" for the person and "bootlicking" for the behavior.
Related word forms
How bootlicked is actually used
Informal and strongly derogatory; it conveys contempt for servile behavior rather than mere politeness or tact.
Easily confused with bootlicked
"Buttered up" is an idiomatic phrase meaning flattered with sweet talk, while "bootlicked" specifically evokes servile, groveling flattery — literally licking boots.