The spelling of the phrase "kiss upping" may seem confusing to some, but it can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first two sounds, /k/ and /ɪs/, are straightforward and pronounced as "kiss." The tricky part is the "-upping" ending. It is pronounced with an /ʌ/ sound, like the "u" in "cut," followed by a voiced /p/ sound, similar to the "b" in "bedding." Therefore, the correct IPA transcription for "kiss upping" is /ˈkɪs ˌʌpɪŋ/.
Kiss upping, also known as brown-nosing or sucking up, refers to the act of excessively flattering, ingratiating, or fawning over someone in order to gain favor or advantage for personal or selfish reasons. It is commonly employed in professional or social settings where individuals seek to curry favor with someone in a position of power or authority. The term "kiss upping" is often used in a derogatory manner to describe individuals who engage in this behavior insincerely or manipulatively.
This behavior often involves excessive flattery, exaggerated compliments, and unwarranted displays of admiration towards the targeted person. The purpose of kiss upping is usually to gain special treatment, preferential treatment, or to advance one's own interests, such as seeking promotion, raises, or other rewards. It can also be seen as a means to gain acceptance within a particular group or to establish oneself as a trusted ally.
Kiss upping is often seen as disingenuous and insincere, lacking genuine respect or admiration for the targeted individual. It can create a negative perception of the person engaging in this behavior, as it is often viewed as manipulative and self-serving. In professional settings, it can harm one's reputation and credibility among colleagues and supervisors.
Overall, kiss upping refers to the act of excessively flattering or ingratiating oneself to someone for personal gain or advantage, often being viewed negatively due to its manipulative nature.
The term "kiss upping" is derived from the phrasal verb "kiss up" or "kiss up to". The word "kiss" originally comes from the Old English word "cyssan", which means "to touch with the lips". Over time, it evolved in Middle English to "kissen" and eventually became "kiss".
The addition of "up" in the phrase "kiss up" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the act of kissing or showing excessive praise or flattery towards someone to gain favor or advantage. The expression "kiss up" itself has been used since at least the 19th century to describe this kind of behavior.
"Kiss upping" is a more recent term that has emerged from "kiss up".