Office Politics Vocabulary

noun A person who seeks favor by flattery or servile behavior; a sycophant.

• The teacher noticed that the student was always the first to hand in assignments, leading her to believe he was an apple polisher.
• I heard that Sarah is a total apple polisher, always sucking up to the boss.
• Don't be such an apple polisher, just do your work and let it speak for itself.
• Being an apple polisher won't get you far in life, you need to earn respect through hard work.

noun a person who behaves in a servile or submissive manner; one who grovels

adjective describing someone or something as groveling or behaving in a servile manner

• The groveler begged for forgiveness from his superior.
• I can't stand that groveler who always tries to suck up to the boss.
• That groveler is such a brown-noser.
• She refused to be a groveler and stood up for herself instead.

verb to behave obsequiously in order to gain favor or advantage

preposition used to indicate the person or group to whom one is trying to ingratiate oneself

• It is unprofessional to constantly suck up to your boss in hopes of getting a promotion.
• Stop sucking up to the teacher just because you want a better grade.
• She always sucks up to the boss to get what she wants.
• Some people will do anything to suck up to those in power.