One kissing up to the boss (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: TOADY
Understanding the Crossword Clue "One Kissing Up to the Boss"
- One kissing up to the boss is a classic crossword clue that points to the answer TOADY (5 letters).
- A toady is someone who behaves obsequiously toward someone important, essentially a sycophant who flatters and fawns over authority figures to gain favor or advantage.
Why TOADY is the Answer
- The term "toady" perfectly captures the essence of someone who kisses up to the boss. This five-letter word describes a person who engages in excessive flattery and servile behavior toward those in power.
- The word originates from "toad-eater," a charlatan's assistant who would pretend to eat poisonous toads to demonstrate the master's healing powers, symbolizing someone willing to debase themselves for another's benefit.
Tips for Solving "Kissing Up" Crossword Clues
- Look for the letter count first - The number in parentheses tells you exactly how many letters you need, which immediately narrows your options.
- Consider workplace slang - Clues about bosses often use informal or colloquial terms, so think about common office vocabulary.
- Check crossing words - If you have letters from intersecting answers, use them to confirm. TOADY often shares letters with other common crossword words.
- Think about synonyms - "Kissing up" has many equivalents: fawning, flattering, brown-nosing, bootlicking, and groveling all point toward similar answers.
- Remember word origins - Knowing that "toady" comes from "toad-eater" can help you remember this answer for future puzzles.
One kissing up to the boss (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What does toady mean exactly?
A toady is a person who acts obsequiously to someone important, offering excessive flattery and servile behavior to gain favor or advantage. It's always used in a negative, critical sense.
Q: Why is it called a toady?
The word derives from "toad-eater," referring to a charlatan's assistant who would supposedly eat poisonous toads to showcase the master's healing abilities. This extreme act of subservience gave us the modern term.
Q: Are there other 5-letter answers for "one kissing up to the boss"?
While TOADY is the most common answer, depending on crossing letters, you might occasionally see LICKUP or similar variants, though these are far less standard.
Q: How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
Associate "toady" with "toad" - imagine someone so desperate to please their boss they'd eat a toad. The unusual imagery makes it memorable.
Q: Is toady used in modern English?
Yes, though it's somewhat formal. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to say "brown-noser" or "suck-up," but toady remains common in written English and crossword puzzles.
