noun a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
verb to act in an excessively subservient manner
In political settings, kowtow can symbolize submission to authority or a display of allegiance.
In historical contexts, kowtow refers to the act of kneeling and touching one's head to the ground as a sign of respect or submission.
In religious practices, kowtow may be used as a form of prayer or reverence towards deities or spiritual figures.
In Chinese culture, kowtow is a traditional gesture of deep respect, often performed in front of royalty or as a form of worship.
In the writing world, 'kowtow' may be used metaphorically to describe someone who overly flatters or submits to authority figures in order to gain favor or advance their career.
Psychologists may use 'kowtow' to describe behavior in which a person excessively seeks approval or validation from others, often at the expense of their own beliefs or values.
A business executive might use 'kowtow' to refer to the act of excessively pleasing or deferring to clients or superiors in order to maintain business relationships or secure deals.
Politicians may use 'kowtow' to criticize opponents who they believe are excessively pandering to special interest groups or compromising their principles to gain votes.