How Do You Spell BOOTLICK?

Pronunciation: [bˈuːtlɪk] (IPA)

The word "bootlick" is spelled as /ˈbuːt.lɪk/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced /buːt/ with a long ‘oo’ vowel sound followed by a ‘t’ sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short ‘i’ vowel sound followed by a ‘k’ sound. The word means someone who is overly obedient or submissive towards someone in a position of authority. However, it is important to use this word carefully as it can be considered offensive by some people.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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BOOTLICK Meaning and Definition

  1. Bootlick is a term typically used to describe an individual who demonstrates extreme sycophantic behavior towards someone in a position of power or authority, often with the intention of gaining favor or personal benefits. Used as a noun, it refers to a person who excessively flatters or ingratiates themselves to those in power, often compromising their integrity and principles in the process. Alternatively, the term can be used as a verb to describe the act of seeking favor or approval through exaggerated compliments or servile behavior.

    The term "bootlick" is derived from the image of a person who would metaphorically lick the boots of their superiors, symbolizing submission and subservience. When someone is accused of being a bootlick, it implies that they are willing to abandon their own independent thinking and self-respect to curry favor with authority figures.

    Bootlicking behavior can occur in various contexts, including workplaces, politics, and social settings. It is often seen as a derogatory term, highlighting the lack of authenticity and integrity in the person exhibiting bootlicking tendencies. Being called a bootlick carries a negative connotation, suggesting the absence of individuality and critical thinking.

    While bootlicking behavior may provide short-term advantages or rewards, it undermines one's credibility and can breed resentment from peers who recognize the insincere motivations behind the obsequious behavior.

Common Misspellings for BOOTLICK

  • vootlick
  • nootlick
  • hootlick
  • gootlick
  • biotlick
  • bkotlick
  • blotlick
  • bpotlick
  • b0otlick
  • b9otlick
  • boitlick
  • boktlick
  • boltlick
  • boptlick
  • bo0tlick
  • bo9tlick
  • boorlick
  • booflick
  • booglick

Etymology of BOOTLICK

The word "bootlick" has its origin in the late 18th century and is derived from two separate words: "boot" and "lick".

The term "boot" refers to the footgear, usually made of leather, that covers the foot and ankle, typically reaching below the knee. "Boot" itself comes from the Old English word "bot", which means "help" or "remedy". Over time, "boot" evolved to designate the specific type of footwear that we know today.

The word "lick", in this context, means to pass the tongue over something, as in the act of licking. It is derived from the Old English word "liccian".

Combining these two words, "bootlick" emerged to describe a person who metaphorically licks or servilely panders to someone in authority, often with an aim of gaining favor, privileges, or protection.

Similar spelling words for BOOTLICK

Conjugate verb Bootlick

CONDITIONAL

I would bootlick
you would bootlick
he/she/it would bootlick
we would bootlick
they would bootlick

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be bootlicking
you would be bootlicking
he/she/it would be bootlicking
we would be bootlicking
they would be bootlicking

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have bootlick
you would have bootlick
he/she/it would have bootlick
we would have bootlick
they would have bootlick

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been bootlicking
you would have been bootlicking
he/she/it would have been bootlicking
we would have been bootlicking
they would have been bootlicking

FUTURE

I will bootlick
you will bootlick
he/she/it will bootlick
we will bootlick
they will bootlick

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be bootlicking
you will be bootlicking
he/she/it will be bootlicking
we will be bootlicking
they will be bootlicking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have bootlicked
you will have bootlicked
he/she/it will have bootlicked
we will have bootlicked
they will have bootlicked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been bootlicking
you will have been bootlicking
he/she/it will have been bootlicking
we will have been bootlicking
they will have been bootlicking

IMPERATIVE

you bootlick
we let´s bootlick

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to bootlick

PAST

I bootlicked
you bootlicked
he/she/it bootlicked
we bootlicked
they bootlicked

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was bootlicking
you were bootlicking
he/she/it was bootlicking
we were bootlicking
they were bootlicking

PAST PARTICIPLE

bootlicked

PAST PERFECT

I had bootlicked
you had bootlicked
he/she/it had bootlicked
we had bootlicked
they had bootlicked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been bootlicking
you had been bootlicking
he/she/it had been bootlicking
we had been bootlicking
they had been bootlicking

PRESENT

I bootlick
you bootlick
he/she/it bootlicks
we bootlick
they bootlick

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am bootlicking
you are bootlicking
he/she/it is bootlicking
we are bootlicking
they are bootlicking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

bootlicking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have bootlicked
you have bootlicked
he/she/it has bootlicked
we have bootlicked
they have bootlicked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been bootlicking
you have been bootlicking
he/she/it has been bootlicking
we have been bootlicking
they have been bootlicking

Infographic

Correct spelling for bootlick
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