Which one should you use?
While fayoter describes the act of kissing up, the informal expression Lécher les bottes de quelqu'un (to lick someone's boots) is used to describe someone who excessively flatters others. For an even stronger and more vulgar slang alternative, you can use the expression faire de la lèche. Additionally, Se faire bien voir is an informal way to describe the attempt to make oneself well-liked and favorable to others.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The verb fayoter is informal and should not be used in formal professional writing or highly respectful speech. The expression Lécher les bottes de quelqu'un is also informal, while faire de la lèche is considered slang and is more vulgar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb fayoter is fayot, which refers to the person who is performing the act (a suck-up or brown-noser).
Did you know?
- While English speakers often use the nose as the target for the term 'brown-noser', French speakers focus their insults on footwear, using verbs like 'to shine' cirer or 'to lick' lécher instead.
- The term fayot was historically used specifically for students who tried to win over their teachers, making it the French equivalent of a 'teacher's pet'.
- The noun fayot carries a heavy social judgment, implying that the person is not just annoying, but actually lacks integrity and true merit.
Examples in context
- Il ne cesse d'aduler son supérieur pour espérer une promotion.He constantly kisses up to his boss in hopes of a promotion.
- Elle passe son temps à cirer les bottes de son professeur pour obtenir de meilleures notes.She spends her time kissing up to her teacher to get better grades.
- Arrête de lécher les bottes du patron, il ne te donnera pas d'augmentation pour autant!Stop kissing up to the boss, he won't give you a raise for that!
- Arrête de fayoter pour obtenir une promotion !Stop kissing up to get a promotion!
- Il ne fait que fayoter pour avoir une promotion.He does nothing but kiss up to get a promotion.
- Arrête de fayoter auprès du patron, ça ne marche pas.Stop kissing up to the boss, it isn't working.
- Elle adore fayoter pour obtenir des faveurs.She loves to kiss up to get favors.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in the office breakroom.
- ChloéRegarde Gabriel, il essaie encore de fayoter.Look at Gabriel, he is trying to kiss up again.
- GabrielC'est vrai, il est très gentil avec le chef.It's true, he is very nice to the boss.
- ChloéC'est ridicule, tout le monde voit qu'il fayote.It's ridiculous, everyone sees that he is kissing up.
- GabrielPeut-être, mais ça marche souvent pour lui.Maybe, but it often works for him.
