Definition
A sycophant; a toady.
Origins
In reference to the idea of an obsequious child bringing apples to the class teacher.
Also Said As
- adulator
- apple polisher
- arse-kisser
- arse-licker
- ass-kisser
- ass-licker
- bootlick
- bootlicker
- buttkisser
- buttlicker
- brownnose
- brown noser
- clawback
- dickrider
- doormat
- flatterer
- flunkey
- groveler
- groveller
- hanger-on
- kiss-ass
- lackey
- lickspittle
- lick-platter
- lickpot
- minion
- people pleaser
- pickthank
- schmoozer
- simp
- suck up
- sycophant
- throne sniffer
- toadeater
- toady
- white knight
See Also
- apple-polish
How People Actually Use It
One who attempts to curry favor with authority for personal gain. Derived from the old tradition of the families of pupils expressing their appreciation for a teacher's thankless work by providing them with meals, which eventually diminished to the symbolic polished apple.
"Who're you callin' 'ingenious', you punk-ass apple polisher? Drop and gimme twenty!"
Source: Urban Dictionary