What does honeying mean?
Honeying is the present participle of honey, meaning to sweeten something with honey. It can also describe the act of flattering or ingratiating oneself with another person, especially when the behavior seems overly ingratiating or politically motivated. The literal sense is uncommon in everyday speech because people more often say that something has been honeyed or sweetened with honey. The figurative sense is more noticeable, appearing in contexts involving persuasive conversation, courtship, or attempts to win favor. Honeying shares a close connection with the word honey, whose Old English ancestor, hunig, referred to the sweet substance produced by bees. The modern form is formed from that noun with the verb-ending -y and the progressive participial ending -ing.
To sweeten or flavor something with honey.
"The cook honeyed the pancakes before serving them."
This literal use is relatively uncommon; honeyed is often more idiomatic as a participial adjective.
To flatter, charm, or ingratiate oneself with someone.
"He honeyed the mayor in hopes of securing a favorable decision."
Often carries a mildly critical or ironic connotation.
Honeying turns sweetness into an action: it can refer both to adding honey and, figuratively, to charming someone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does honeying come from?
The modern verb honey derives from the Old English noun hunig, meaning the substance produced by bees. Adding the productive ending -y creates the verb, while -ing forms the present participle honeying. English compounds such as honeycomb and honeydew, together with honeysuckle, preserve the same older root and reflect the long-standing association between honey and sweetness.
Related word forms
How honeying is actually used
Honeying is relatively uncommon compared with the more familiar noun honey and the participial adjective honeyed. The figurative sense is often used in informal or mildly critical contexts.
Easily confused with honeying
Honing means sharpening a blade, whereas honeying means sweetening something with honey or flattering someone.