buttering up the boss

[louhevly]

Greetings:

Your phrasal verb dictionary describes the verb "butter up" as Separable obligatory. But it seems to me that this isn't quite the case. For example:

Percy was always buttering up the boss, so he was surprised when he failed to get a promotion.

Or am I missing something here?

Cordially,
Lou Hevly

[mykwyner]

Buttering up usually refers to undeserved flattery or obsequiousness, trying to gain someone's approval through compliments or subservience.

"Wow Boss, that sure is a nice tie. You've really got the best taste in clothes. Do you need me to do anything for you? Is your wastebasket empty? Can I get you some coffee? How about if I run down to the deli and get you one of those muffins you really like?"

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by louhevly

Greetings:

Your phrasal verb dictionary describes the verb "butter up" as Separable obligatory. But it seems to me that this isn't quite the case. For example:

Percy was always buttering up the boss, so he was surprised when he failed to get a promotion.

Or am I missing something here?

Cordially,
Lou Hevly

Lou,

We often say that an employee who is 'buttering up' the boss is 'brown nosing' or 'kissing ass'. No matter how you describe it, this act of seeking the boss's favor is considered taboo by fellow employees!

Cheers,
Amigos4

[David L.]

I think you're actually asking us a 'usage' question, not the meaning.

I tried to butter him up before I asked for a raise. - OK, what do you want? I know you are buttering me up for something.

neither 'butter up him" nor "buttering up me" would be correct

...and nor would "Percy was always buttering the boss up."
(Percy was always buttering up the boss)

[louhevly]

Originally Posted by David L.

...and nor would "Percy was always buttering the boss up" [be correct].

(Percy was always buttering up the boss)

Right. So you're saying the verb "butter up" is a *non-separable* phrasal verb, at least when the complement is a noun. But the usingenglish.com dictionary describes it as *Separable obligatory* (See: http://www.usingenglish.com/referenc...butter+up.html).

So my point was that the dictionary should be emmended.

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by louhevly

Right. So you're saying the verb "butter up" is a *non-separable* phrasal verb, at least when the complement is a noun. But the usingenglish.com dictionary describes it as *Separable obligatory* (See: http://www.usingenglish.com/referenc...butter+up.html).

So my point was that the dictionary should be emmended.

I agree with you, louhevly! The dictionary should be ammended.

Cheers,
Amigos4

[louhevly]

Originally Posted by amigos4

I agree with you, louhevly! The dictionary should be ammended.

Cheers,
Amigos4

"emended" (sorry to have misspelled it) is also correct. "amend" also has only one 'm'.

[MrPedantic]

Thanks for that, Lou!

It will be brought to the attention of the PVD Amendment Operative.

All the best,

MrP

[amigos4]

Originally Posted by MrPedantic

Thanks for that, Lou!

It will be brought to the attention of the PVD Amendment Operative.

All the best,

MrP

"emended" is my new word for the day, Louhevly! I had not heard of it before you brought it to my attention! Thank you!

Mr. Pedantic, does this mean that we should create a new operative? (PVD Emendment Operative)

Cheers,
Amigos4

[baqarah131]

I have no idea what a separable obligatory is, but the sentence you cite is perfectly good English. "Buttering the boss up" is possible too, and I don't think one is better English than the other.

I don't think you're missing anything.

We have many expressions for this kind of behavior, flattering someone to get an advantage, and some of these expressions are quite vulgar.

One you can use:
He was always licking the boss's boots.
He was a bootlicker.

Go ahead, butter me up, tell me I'm the greatest English teacher of all time!
Give me a swollen head! Put me on Cloud 9! Make my day!
edward

Originally Posted by louhevly

Greetings:

Your phrasal verb dictionary describes the verb "butter up" as Separable obligatory. But it seems to me that this isn't quite the case. For example:

Percy was always buttering up the boss, so he was surprised when he failed to get a promotion.

Or am I missing something here?

Cordially,
Lou Hevly