How Do You Spell LICKING SOMEONE'S BOOTS?

Pronunciation: [lˈɪkɪŋ sˈʌmwɒnz bˈuːts] (IPA)

"Licking someone's boots" is a phrase commonly used to describe someone who is subservient or overly obedient to another person. The word "licking" is spelled phonetically as /ˈlɪkɪŋ/. This word is pronounced with two syllables and the stress placed on the first syllable. The "i" in "licking" is pronounced as a short "i" sound /ɪ/ while the "ng" is pronounced as /ŋ/. When combined with the phrase "someone's boots," the phrase paints a vivid picture of someone who is figuratively bowing and scraping to their superior.

LICKING SOMEONE'S BOOTS Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "licking someone's boots" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a subservient or excessively deferential behavior towards someone in a position of power, authority, or higher status. When one is said to be "licking someone's boots," they are metaphorically portrayed as groveling or showing extreme flattery and obsequiousness towards the person in question. It implies a lack of self-respect or dignity, suggesting that the person engaging in this behavior willingly debases themselves, sacrificing their own principles or sense of worth for the favor, approval, or benefits bestowed upon them by those in power.

    This phrase originates from the image of a subordinate figuratively bending down and using their tongue to clean or polish the boots of a superior, symbolizing the idea of complete subservience, servility, or subsistence under someone else's control. It carries a negative connotation, implying that the individual licking boots lacks independence, assertiveness, and integrity. It may also be used metaphorically to criticize someone who willingly complies with or supports an oppressive or unjust system, betraying their own beliefs in favor of personal gain or approval.

    In summary, "licking someone's boots" refers to an act of unbecoming servitude, subservience, or groveling towards a person of authority, suggesting the individual's willful abandonment of personal values, integrity, or self-respect in pursuit of favor or benefits.

Common Misspellings for LICKING SOMEONE'S BOOTS

  • licking someones boots
  • kicking someone's boots
  • picking someone's boots
  • oicking someone's boots
  • lucking someone's boots
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  • locking someone's boots
  • l9cking someone's boots
  • l8cking someone's boots
  • lixking someone's boots
  • livking someone's boots
  • lifking someone's boots
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  • licjing someone's boots
  • licming someone's boots
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  • licoing someone's boots
  • liciing someone's boots
  • lickung someone's boots