Have you ever seen someone at work who laughs a little too hard at the boss' bad jokes or always agrees with whatever they say, no matter how wrong it is? That's sycophancy in action.

Sycophancy is the act of giving excessive, insincere praise to someone in power, usually to gain something—be it approval, promotion, or special treatment.

It's not about genuine admiration; it's about saying what the powerful person wants to hear, even if you don't believe it.

The word has roots in ancient Athens, where a sycophant was someone who abused the legal system for personal gain. Over time, the term came to describe flatterers who manipulate social situations in their favour.

You'll spot sycophants in offices, politics, and even friend groups. They're the ones who always agree, always compliment, and rarely challenge authority, not because they admire someone, but because they want something.

In short, sycophancy is flattery with an agenda. It may open doors, but it rarely earns respect.