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Usenet Posted 23 years ago
Usage
Meaning of sycophant
sycophancy would mean deceit and flattery, correct?
- BaghdadBob
- BaghdadBob
Top answer
[/nq] No, the "deceit" and "flattery" uses are separate. The modern term sycophancy, involving servile or abject flattery, need not involve deceit. The slightly older use of the word (related to Latin sycophantia and Greek sykophantia) refers to the practice of an informer, particularly slanderous or malicious reporting, which need not be flattering at all, but often involves deceit.
- [/nq] No, the "deceit" and "flattery" uses are separate.
- The modern term sycophancy, involving servile or abject flattery, need not involve deceit.
- The slightly older use of the word (related to Latin sycophantia and Greek sykophantia) refers to the practice of an informer, particularly slanderous or malicious reporting, which need not be flattering at all, but often involves deceit.
- This meaning has fallen into disuse in English, but ...
- (Cassell's New Latin Dictionary) sycophanta -ae f.
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7 Answers
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[nq:1]sycophancy would mean deceit and flattery, correct?[/nq]
No, the "deceit" and "flattery" uses are separate. The modern term sycophancy, involving servile or abject flattery, need not involve deceit.
The slightly older use of the word (related to Latin sycophantia and Greek sykophantia) refers to the practice of an informer, particularly slanderous or malicious reporting, which need n
No, the "deceit" and "flattery" uses are separate. The modern term sycophancy, involving servile or abject flattery, need not involve deceit.
The slightly older use of the word (related to Latin sycophantia and Greek sykophantia) refers to the practice of an informer, particularly slanderous or malicious reporting, which need n
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On 11/6/03 8:40 PM, in article
[nq:1]sycophancy would mean deceit and flattery, correct?[/nq]
Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.
The sycophants are one of the largest of marine carnivores. Their soft, furry underbellies made them a favourite target for hunters. Now, on this island, the sycophants come to breed every summer, protected by law.
[nq:1]sycophancy would mean deceit and flattery, correct?[/nq]
Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.
The sycophants are one of the largest of marine carnivores. Their soft, furry underbellies made them a favourite target for hunters. Now, on this island, the sycophants come to breed every summer, protected by law.
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[nq:2]sycophancy would mean deceit and flattery, correct?[/nq]
[nq:1]Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.[/nq]
Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. I find them really helpful contributions, Carmen, to my personal development. I know I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation
[nq:1]Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.[/nq]
Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. I find them really helpful contributions, Carmen, to my personal development. I know I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation
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[nq:2]Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.[/nq]
[nq:1]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. ... I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to
[nq:1]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. ... I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to
00
[nq:2]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, ... for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
[nq:1]I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to brown. Please advise.[/nq]
Give it a brownie point.
m.
[nq:1]I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to brown. Please advise.[/nq]
Give it a brownie point.
m.
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[nq:2]Oh yes, absolutely, you are so right.[/nq]
[nq:1]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. ... I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
You've both managed to convey that the deceit referred to in the first post, even if in part obsolete
[nq:1]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, how your answers are so informative and well thought out. ... I speak for everyone, Carmen, when I thank you, Carmen, for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
You've both managed to convey that the deceit referred to in the first post, even if in part obsolete
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[nq:2]Carmen, that was a great answer! I really admire, Carmen, ... for your participation in this group and in our lives.[/nq]
[nq:1]I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to brown. Please advise.[/nq]
It's that sarcasm is supposed to be the lowest form of sh.. er.. wit. Or maybe it's OE.
wrmst rgrds
Robin Bignall
[nq:1]I seem to have a problem with OE for some reason it's decided to change the colour for this thread to brown. Please advise.[/nq]
It's that sarcasm is supposed to be the lowest form of sh.. er.. wit. Or maybe it's OE.
wrmst rgrds
Robin Bignall
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