BUTTERING UP Meaning and
Definition
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Buttering up refers to a colloquial expression that describes the act of using flattery or excessive praise to gain favor or manipulate someone. It involves deliberately complimenting or flattering someone in order to win their goodwill, support, or cooperation, often with an ulterior motive or hidden agenda.
The term "buttering up" likely originated from the notion of spreading butter on bread, which smoothens the texture and enhances its taste. Similarly, individuals try to "butter up" others by lavishing them with compliments or praise to create a positive impression and make themselves more appealing or attractive.
When someone is buttering up another person, they often employ tactics such as excessive flattery, insincere compliments, or exaggeration of the person's qualities or achievements. This behavior is typically driven by self-interest, aiming to achieve a desired outcome, such as obtaining a favor, gaining personal advantages, or manipulating someone's opinion or decisions in their favor.
The act of buttering up can be seen in various contexts, including personal relationships, professional settings, or even at a societal level. Individuals may butter up their superiors to secure promotions or better job opportunities, politicians may butter up voters to gain their support, or someone may butter up a romantic interest to win their affections.
However, it is important to note that buttering up is often seen as deceitful or insincere, as it involves manipulating someone's emotions or perceptions for personal gain.
Common Misspellings for BUTTERING UP
- vuttering up
- nuttering up
- huttering up
- guttering up
- byttering up
- bhttering up
- bjttering up
- bittering up
- b8ttering up
- b7ttering up
- burtering up
- buftering up
- bugtering up
- buytering up
- bu6tering up
- bu5tering up
- butrering up
- butfering up
- butgering up
- butyering up
Etymology of BUTTERING UP
The phrase "buttering up" originates from the action of spreading butter on bread or toast. In this context, butter has been associated with smoothness, softness, and ease of spreading, and this concept was eventually applied figuratively to human interactions. The use of "buttering up" implies the act of trying to please or flatter someone in order to gain favor or obtain something desired, much like spreading butter on bread to make it more appealing. The exact etymology of the phrase "buttering up" cannot be traced to a specific source, as it has likely evolved naturally over time through common usage.
Similar spelling words for BUTTERING UP
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