brown noser

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brown noser" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who flatters or ingratiates themselves with someone in a position of power, often for personal gain. Example: "Everyone knows that Tom is a brown noser; he always agrees with the boss, no matter what."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He's a staff writer for the magazine The Brown Jug, and he's the co-editor-in-chief of The Brown Noser, a campus satirical newspaper.

Huffington Post

Don't worry about people thinking you're a brown noser.

WikiHow

Make sure that they actually are a brown noser and you're not just prejudiced against that person.

WikiHow

Eventually, the sucking up will stop, because the brown noser will get so sick, they will stop it or confront you, at which point you should tell them to stop.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

At the end of his senior year, he was elected Biggest Brown-Noser.

The New Yorker

When Ryan actually was in high school — Joseph A. Craig High School, in Janesville — he was the kind who joined a million clubs, befriended teachers and was recognized in his yearbook as his class's Biggest Brown-Noser.

The New York Times

In their baffling, contemptible wrong-headedness they stand with every boss who passed us over for promotion in favor of some less-able brown-noser and every crush who wouldn't date us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Last month, Sidney Blumenthal, a journalist turned Clinton brown-noser, published an 800-page tome on the subject that is as tediously one-sided as anything the old rogue's conservative critics have ever put out (which is saying something).

The Economist

John McCain tells Jon Stewart he wants Dwight Schrute, the brown-noser from "The Office," as his running mate and he thinks his Secret Service code name is "jerk":.

The New York Times

Sure, it might mark you down as something of a DfES stooge or New Labour brown-noser, but having the title Sir or Dame on your credit card is hard to resist.

The Guardian

Regardless the size of your boss's ego, she or he will have a genuine need for a person on their team who thinks about wins on a grander scale than the selfish view of a brown-noser!

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brown noser" when you want a slightly informal but widely understood term for someone who is excessively flattering for personal gain. Be mindful of your audience, as it can be perceived as negative.

Common error

Avoid using "brown noser" in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral or professional terms like "sycophant" or "flatterer" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brown noser" functions primarily as a noun, specifically referring to a person who attempts to gain favor through flattery and obsequious behavior. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "brown noser" is a noun used to describe someone who excessively flatters authority figures for personal gain. While grammatically correct and widely understood, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it carries a negative connotation and is generally considered informal. It's best used in casual conversation or informal writing, and should be avoided in professional or formal settings. When a more formal alternative is needed, consider using "sycophant" or "flatterer". Keep in mind that it appears predominantly in news and media outlets and wikis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sycophant

A more formal term for someone who flatters to gain favor.

flatterer

Someone who excessively praises others, often insincerely.

bootlicker

A highly pejorative term for someone who is excessively subservient.

yes-man

Someone who always agrees with their superior.

apple polisher

An informal term for someone who tries to gain favor with teachers or superiors.

toady

A person who behaves obsequiously to someone important.

ass-kisser

A vulgar term for someone who excessively flatters.

lackey

Someone who does menial tasks or is servile to another.

minion

A follower or underling of a powerful person, often used negatively.

obsequious person

A general term for someone who is excessively eager to please or obey.

FAQs

How can I use "brown noser" in a sentence?

You can use "brown noser" to describe someone who excessively flatters a person in authority to gain an advantage, for example: "Everyone knows he's a "brown noser"; he's always trying to impress the boss."

What's a less offensive synonym for "brown noser"?

Alternatives to "brown noser" include "sycophant", "flatterer", or "yes-man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the origin of the term "brown noser"?

The term "brown noser" is believed to originate from the visual image of someone being so close to another person's backside that their nose turns brown. It's a metaphor for extreme obsequiousness.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "brown noser" in a professional setting?

Calling someone a "brown noser" in a professional setting is generally considered inappropriate and can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. It's better to use more neutral language or address the behavior directly.