entry
sycophant
/ˈsɪkəfænt/Insincere flatterer seeking advantage from powerful people
From Greek σῦκον (sykon) (Fig) + Greek φαίνω (phainō) (To show).
from Greek sykophantēs "false accuser, slanderer," literally "one who shows the fig,"
from Greek sykophantēs "false accuser, slanderer," literally "one who shows the fig,"
from Latin sycophanta
+1 more sourcefrom French sycophante and directly
from French sycophante and directly
+1 more sourceWord Ancestry
from Greek sykophantēs "false accuser, slanderer," literally "one who shows the fig,"
from Greek sykophantēs "false accuser, slanderer," literally "one who shows the fig,"
from Latin sycophanta
+1 more sourcefrom French sycophante and directly
from French sycophante and directly
+1 more sourcePicture an ancient Greek argument ending not with a punch, but with a thumb shoved between two fingers: the insulting “fig” gesture. The gesture was vulgar because the fig, σῦκον, could also refer to the vulva; φαίνω meant “to show,” producing συκοφάντης, literally “one who shows the fig.” Ancient politicians supposedly encouraged followers to make this obscene sign at opponents while keeping their own hands clean, which helps explain the early sense “false accuser” or “slanderer.” A much-repeated rival story claimed that sycophants informed on people illegally exporting figs, but the Oxford English Dictionary says that explanation cannot be substantiated. By 1537 the word had entered English, and its target shifted from the public accuser to the private flatterer: today, a sycophant still “shows” something—usually whatever praise the powerful person most wants to see.
The Story
Picture an ancient Greek argument ending not with a punch, but with a thumb shoved between two fingers: the insulting “fig” gesture. The gesture was vulgar because the fig, σῦκον, could also refer to the vulva; φαίνω meant “to show,” producing συκοφάντης, literally “one who shows the fig.” Ancient politicians supposedly encouraged followers to make this obscene sign at opponents while keeping their own hands clean, which helps explain the early sense “false accuser” or “slanderer.” A much-repeated rival story claimed that sycophants informed on people illegally exporting figs, but the Oxford English Dictionary says that explanation cannot be substantiated. By 1537 the word had entered English, and its target shifted from the public accuser to the private flatterer: today, a sycophant still “shows” something—usually whatever praise the powerful person most wants to see.
Modern Usage
A person who excessively praises or “kisses up” to gain favor or get ahead.
Kin & Kindred
From 'σῦκον (sykon)'·Fig; also vulva in a related usage
Derived Terms
English words from this root
From 'φαίνω (phainō)'·To show, display, or make apparent
Derived Terms
English words from this root
Sources
Free Dictionary
Urban Dictionary
Wikipedia
Wiktionary