kiss up

USAGE SUMMARY

"kiss up" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is a colloquial phrase which means to flatter or curry favor with someone else, usually a superior. For example: "John was always trying to kiss up to his boss in hopes of getting a promotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

You don't kiss up to anybody in it".

The New Yorker

You don't have to kiss up to us".

The New York Times

"You have to kiss up to the landlords.

The New York Times

The politicians and celebrities kiss up to the voters.

The New York Times

"I was trying to kiss up to the boss".

The New York Times - Magazine

Some people kiss up and kick down; Dummett was someone who kicked up and kissed down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

I would have been heartbroken when that kiss-up William Henry Harrison got the nod.

The New York Times

But the same kiss-up, kick-down hierarchy persists, where every official is slave to his immediate superior and a dictator to his subordinates.

The Economist

"There are two ways to make it in this world, you can be damn good or you can be a kiss-up".

The New York Times - Magazine

There are several kinds of Washington memoirs: "I Reveal the Honest Truth," a kiss-up-and-tell designed to settle scores (nod to honesty optional).

The New York Times

It was a creepy experiment, a kiss-up to corporate buyers, an attempt to graft a clumsy operating system onto a sleek and efficient piece of hardware.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kiss up" when you want to describe someone's insincere flattery, especially when aimed at a superior for personal benefit. Be mindful of the negative connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "kiss up" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and overly informal. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "curry favor" or "ingratiate oneself" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kiss up" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, meaning it does not take a direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it describes the action of flattering someone insincerely, typically to gain favor or advantage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

32%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kiss up" is an idiomatic expression used to describe insincere flattery, typically aimed at a superior for personal gain. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct but carries a negative connotation. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating an informal register. While it is a common phrase, writers should be mindful of its implications and consider using synonyms like "curry favor" or "ingratiate oneself" in more formal contexts. Avoid overusing the phrase to maintain a varied and sophisticated writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suck up

This is a direct synonym, implying excessive flattery for personal gain.

brown-nose

Implies excessive flattery to gain favor, often viewed negatively.

butter up

Suggests attempting to influence someone with flattery.

curry favor

To seek to gain favor by flattery or obsequious behavior.

ingratiate oneself

To bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them.

flatter

To praise somewhat dishonestly in order to persuade.

toady

Act in a subservient way towards someone important.

fawn over

To seek favor or attention through flattery and obsequious behavior.

lick someone's boots

To behave in a servile and flattering way.

apple-polish

To try to gain favor with someone by flattery.

FAQs

How can I use "kiss up" in a sentence?

You can use "kiss up" to describe someone who excessively flatters a superior, as in "He was always trying to kiss up to the boss for a promotion".

What are some alternatives to "kiss up"?

You can use alternatives like "suck up", "brown-nose", or "butter up" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "kiss up" in formal writing?

No, "kiss up" is generally considered informal and should be avoided in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "seek favor" or "ingratiate oneself".

What is the difference between "kiss up" and "be polite"?

"Be polite" refers to general courteous behavior, while "kiss up" implies insincere flattery with the intention of gaining an advantage. Politeness is generally appreciated, while kissing up is often viewed negatively.