Toady
/ˈtəʊdi/noun
A person who praises or helps powerful people for personal gain.
He was always known as a toady to the company's CEO.
Often appears as...
- political toady
- corporate toady
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Using 'toady' suggests disapproval of someone's behavior. It isn't a compliment.
He's such a toady, always complimenting the manager unnecessarily.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Just Flattery
'Toady' often implies flattery with the intention of gaining favor or advantages.
She didn't just compliment the director's view; she toadied up to secure a promotion.
Pro Tip 3/3Power Dynamics
'Toady' is mostly used in contexts where there is a clear power difference.
The junior analyst was a toady to the senior management, hoping for a raise.
Compare with
flatterhanger-onlackeysycophant
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