What does slattery mean?
Slattery means excessive, indiscriminate, or self-serving flattery. It describes praise that is offered not simply to express admiration but to gain favour, conceal a weakness, or manipulate an audience. The word generally has a critical tone: calling speech or writing “slattery” implies that the praise is exaggerated, insincere, or excessive. It is especially associated with political speech, publicity, and social relationships in which one person uses flattering language to ingratiate themselves with another. Although “flattery” is the more common and neutral term, “slattery” can be more pointed because it explicitly emphasizes the excessiveness of the behaviour. A critic might describe ceremonial praise of a public figure as slattery, or accuse a company of offering customers empty slattery in its advertising. The noun is most often used uncountably, though the plural “slatteries” is grammatically possible. As a proper noun, Slattery is also a family name.
nounExcessive or indiscriminate flattery, especially language used to win favour or approval.
- Excessive or indiscriminate flattery, especially intended to win favour or approval.
"His speech was dismissed as political slattery rather than a serious proposal."
"The article was dismissed as slattery because it praised the minister without acknowledging any criticism."
"She disliked the actor's endless slattery of wealthy donors."
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular or uncountably.
"The magazine was accused of publishing political slatteries rather than informed criticism."
Slattery captures the moment when praise stops sounding sincere and starts serving the flatterer's own purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slattery come from?
The modern English noun developed in the 19th century and is commonly treated as an alteration of “flattery,” with the initial consonant changed. It belongs to a wider group of English vocabulary expressing the ideas of flattering, fawning, and pleasing speech. Although the specific sound change is not especially transparent today, the modern meaning remains closely connected to the older and more familiar word “flattery.”
How slattery is actually used
Slattery is less common than the neutral word “flattery” and often conveys a stronger sense of excess, insincere praise, or self-serving praise. It is usually uncountable but can take the rare plural “slatteries.” Capitalized, Slattery is also a surname.
Easily confused with slattery
Slattery means excessive flattery, whereas a slat is a thin strip of wood, metal, or another material.