kiss someone’s ass: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘kiss someone's ass’ mean?
The idiom "kiss someone's ass" means to excessively flatter or show submissive behavior towards someone in order to gain their favor or approval.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "kiss up to" means to flatter, praise, or show excessive admiration to someone, often in order to gain favor or win their approval. It implies insincere or obsequious behavior.
The idiom "kiss up" means to flatter or praise someone excessively in order to gain favor or advantage, usually in a sycophantic or insincere manner.
When someone kisses someone else's ring, it means they show great respect or allegiance to that person, often because they see them as powerful or important.
The idiom "kiss off" means to dismiss, reject, or end a relationship with someone in a dismissive or rude manner.
The idiom "kiss my ass" is an impolite way of dismissing someone or expressing defiance, implying that one does not care about their opinion or authority.
The idiom "kiss ass" means to excessively flatter or praise someone in order to gain favor or advantage, typically in a subservient or insincere manner.
The idiom "kiss arse" means to obsequiously flatter or grovel in order to gain favor or advantage, often by being excessively complimentary or subservient towards someone in a position of power or authority.
Kiss and make up - This idiom means to reconcile or resolve a conflict after an argument or disagreement, usually by expressing forgiveness or apologizing.
The idiom "kick someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerable state or exploit their weakness for personal gain or to further harm them.
The idiom *kick someone's ass* means to physically or figuratively defeat or dominate someone. It conveys a strong sense of power, aggression, and superiority. This phrase is often used colloquially and can be considered vulgar or offensive in certain contexts.
The Submissive Art
The idiom *kiss arse* is a British English variant of the expression *kiss someone's ass*. It carries the same meaning and connotations, describing a person who is excessively subservient or willing to flatter in order to gain favor or advantage. The idiom *kiss ass*, on the other hand, is the more commonly used version in American English.
Both idioms, whether *kiss someone's ass* or *kiss arse*, stem from the literal act of physically kissing someone's buttocks as a sign of submission or deference. Across different historical and cultural contexts, such an act has been employed to demonstrate loyalty, reverence, or to seek forgiveness.
In present-day usage, *kiss someone's ass* or *kiss arse* has become a metaphorical expression, describing an individual who is excessively subservient or willing to flatter another person. This metaphorical usage gained popularity during the 20th century, evolving into an idiom to criticize those who engage in insincere flattery or sycophantic behavior to gain favor, promotions, or other benefits.
The metaphorical use of these idioms implies a lack of self-respect and integrity on the part of the person doing the kissing. It suggests a willingness to compromise one's principles or values to please or manipulate another individual. The negative connotation associated with *kissing ass* or *kissing arse* reflects a disapproval of inauthenticity and moral weakness.
It is important to consider the power dynamics and cultural implications surrounding these idioms. When someone is described as a *kiss ass* or a *kiss arse*, it suggests that they lack autonomy and independence, embodying a subservient attitude. In societies that value individualism and self-determination, such behavior is often scorned and seen as compromising personal integrity.
However, it is worth noting that the interpretation and usage of these idioms can vary depending on the context and the relationship between individuals. In some cases, the expressions may be used humorously or playfully among friends or colleagues. Additionally, the meaning or usage of these idioms may change or adapt over time as language continues to evolve.
The important message conveyed by *kiss someone's ass* and *kiss arse* is the disapproval of insincere flattery and the need to maintain personal integrity and autonomy. These idioms remind us of the cultural associations surrounding buttocks and the dynamics of power and manipulation within interpersonal relationships.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "kiss someone's ass" can be used in a sentence:
- He got the promotion because he always kisses the boss's ass.
- I'm not going to kiss his ass just to get his approval.
- She's always kissing up to the teacher to get better grades.
More "Sycophancy" idioms
