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]

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]

...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: https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/butter+up.html).

So my point was that the dictionary should be emmended.

 

[Amigos4]

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: https://www.usingenglish.com/reference/phrasal-verbs/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]

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]

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

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

 

[baqarah131]

You've got a real talent for this! I'm glad we don't work in the same office!

regards
edward

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?"

 

[MrPedantic]

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

It may be cheaper to ask the existing operative to make himself his first job in his new role.

MrP

 

[Amigos4]

It may be cheaper to ask the existing operative to make himself his first job in his new role.

MrP

History in the making! I love it! Let's pass the hat and ask for contributions so we can do the task correctly! :lol:

Cheers,
Amigos4

 

[vil]

Hi Baqarah131,

I am in full agreement with your statement concerning the "fabricated problem" about the mentioned at the beginning of the present thread so-called "separable obligatory".

I know that "butter up" = excessively praise or flatter someone, usually to gain a favor, as in

"If you butter up Dad, he'll let you barrow the car."

But I know also that "butter someone up" = flatter someone, usually to achieve something desired.

this expression is used when trying to persuade someone to do something for someone.

Example: "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."

I couldn't understand where is the problem. All is according to standard.
Regards.

V.

 

[baqarah131]

Right.
I sometimes wonder about people who write grammar books and make up rules, what planet do they live on?
regards
edward

Hi Baqarah131,

I am in full agreement with your statement concerning the "fabricated problem" about the mentioned at the beginning of the present thread so-called "separable obligatory".

I know that "butter up" = excessively praise or flatter someone, usually to gain a favor, as in

"If you butter up Dad, he'll let you barrow the car."

But I know also that "butter someone up" = flatter someone, usually to achieve something desired.

this expression is used when trying to persuade someone to do something for someone.

Example: "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."

I couldn't understand where is the problem. All is according to standard.
Regards.

V.

 

[MrPedantic]

Right.

I sometimes wonder about people who write grammar books and make up rules, what planet do they live on?

I think it was probably a slip of the inputting finger, as it's an online source. I expect it will be put right when everyone comes back after the New Year.

All the best,

MrP

 

[Tdol]

Yes, my mistake, my bad, and apologies all round- I clicked the wrong box. I will change it. Thanks very much for pointing this out.

Richard