Kiss up Meaning in English
expression
KIS-UP
KIS-UP
Definition
To act overly nice or flattering to someone in authority, usually to get a favor or special treatment.
Usage & Nuances
'Kiss up' is informal and often negative. Commonly used in the phrase 'kiss up to someone.' Similar to 'suck up' or 'brown-nose.' Never use in formal writing. Be careful not to confuse with genuine politeness.
Spanish: adular - hacer la pelota - ser un lamebotasPortuguese (BR): bajular - puxar o sacoPortuguese (PT): bajular - fazer graxaChinese (Simplified): 拍马屁 - 讨好Chinese (Traditional): 拍馬屁 - 討好Hindi: चापलूसी करनाArabic: يتملقBengali: তোষামোদ করা - তেল মারাRussian: подлизыватьсяJapanese: ごますりをするVietnamese: nịnh bợKorean: 아첨하다 - 알랑거리다Turkish: yalakalık yapmakUrdu: خوشامد کرناIndonesian: menjilat
Example Sentences
He always kisses up to the boss at meetings.
basic
Don’t kiss up just to get a promotion.
basic
Some students kiss up to their teachers for better grades.
basic
Are you trying to kiss up to me because you want something?
natural
She doesn't need to kiss up; her hard work speaks for itself.
natural
People who kiss up all the time usually aren't very popular with coworkers.
natural