Flatterer
/ˈflæt.ər.ər/noun
A person who praises someone excessively or insincerely.
Did you know?The word comes from the same Germanic root as “flat,” because to flatter was originally to make something smooth or level — then the meaning shifted to smoothing over a person with praise.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*flat-
“flat, level”
Old French
OF
flater
“to flatter, stroke, caress”
Middle English
ME
flateren
“to flatter or cajole with smooth talk”
14th Century
English
flatterer
“one who flatters”
Modern English
English
flatterer
“a person who gives excessive or insincere praise”