Social Manipulation Tactics

verb exhibiting excessive flattery or affection; to show exaggerated attention or affection towards someone in order to gain favor or approval

• The journalist was accused of fawning over the politician in her latest article.
• I can't stand how she's always fawning over him whenever he's around.
• She's always fawning over him like a lovesick puppy.
• The artist's latest work had critics fawning over its brilliance.

noun a person who tries to gain favor by flattering someone in authority

adjective describing someone who engages in the act of brownnosing

• The manager was displeased with the brownnoser who constantly tried to gain favor by flattering them.
• I can't stand that brownnoser in the office who is always sucking up to the boss.
• That brownnoser is such a kiss-ass, always trying to get on the boss's good side.
• The brownnoser's constant flattery was like a bad smell that wouldn't go away.