yes-man
The English phrase "yes man" is translated into Italian as yes-man.
In Italian, yes-man refers to a person who always agrees with their employer or superior.
Meaning: a person who always agrees with his employer or superior (noun)
Which one should you use?
While yes-man is a direct loanword, you can use other terms to change the nuance: adulatore describes a person who uses flattery to gain favor, whereas leccapiedi is a much harsher, more insulting term for a sycophant. If you simply want to describe the quality of being agreeable or compliant, use the adjective compiacente.
Did you know?
- The term leccapiedi literally translates to 'foot-licker' in English. It is used to describe someone who is so subservient that they would perform the most degrading acts to please a superior.
- In Italian political discourse, a person who acts as a yes-man for a leader is sometimes called a cortigiano, which means 'courtier'.
- The word leccapiedi shares a root with the verb leccare, meaning 'to lick', which is also used in the expression leccare i calzini to describe someone trying to get on another's good side.
Examples in context
- È un vero yes-man con il capo.He is a true yes-man with the boss.
- Il nuovo manager cerca un yes-man.The new manager is looking for a yes-man.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are talking about their colleague in the office.
- MartinaMarco dice sempre di sì a tutto.Marco always says yes to everything.
- MatteoSì, è diventato un totale yes-man.Yes, he has become a total yes-man.
- MartinaNon ha più un'opinione propria.He doesn't have an opinion of his own anymore.
- MatteoPurtroppo è la sua strategia per avanzare.Unfortunately, it is his strategy to move up.
