toady
What does "toady" mean?
A toady is someone who behaves in an excessively submissive or flattering way toward people of higher status, typically to gain an advantage. The mental image is of someone literally "toad-eating"—a reference to historical charlatans' assistants who would eat poisonous toads to show off their master's healing skills, effectively demeaning themselves for their superior's benefit. The term carries a strong negative connotation of sycophancy and lack of self-respect. It is used to describe someone who is a "yes-man" or a bootlicker. You would typically use this when criticizing a coworker or subordinate who seems more interested in pleasing their boss than doing honest work.
"toady" in conversation
Office gossip
Did you see Mark laughing at everything the manager said?
Did you see Mark laughing at everything the manager said?
Yeah, he’s such a toady. It’s embarrassing.
Yeah, he’s such a toady. It’s embarrassing.
Used to describe a colleague who is obviously sucking up to management.
Observing a group
Why does she follow him around like that?
Why does she follow him around like that?
She's a total toady; she thinks it'll get her a promotion.
She's a total toady; she thinks it'll get her a promotion.
Highlights the transactional nature of the behavior.
"toady" in a sentence
He is nothing but a toady to the CEO.
He is nothing but a toady to the CEO.
The minister was surrounded by toadies who agreed with every word he uttered.
The minister was surrounded by toadies who agreed with every word he uttered.
Instead of cultivating independent thought, the organization rewarded toadies who prioritized sycophancy over genuine innovation.
Instead of cultivating independent thought, the organization rewarded toadies who prioritized sycophancy over genuine innovation.
