The act of behaving obsequiously or showing excessive flattery to someone in power; alternatively, the adjective form describing someone who engages in this behavior.
From 'bootlick' + '-ing' gerund/present participle suffix. The concept of excessive servility has ancient roots, but this specific colorful term is distinctly American.
Every workplace has bootlickers, but studies show they often get promoted first—creating a paradox where appearing competent matters less than appearing loyal to the boss!
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