Fawn vs. Flattery — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 8, 2024
Fawn involves showing exaggerated flattery or affection to gain favor, while flattery is giving excessive compliments, typically to manipulate.
Difference Between Fawn and Flattery
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fawn typically implies a behavior where an individual exhibits exaggerated deference or affection towards someone to gain favor or advantage. Whereas, flattery, though also intended to win favor, generally consists of offering compliments or praise that may exceed sincerity or truth.
Fawn often manifests as subservient behavior, where the individual might lower themselves or their opinions to please another. On the other hand, flattery does not necessarily involve subservience but focuses more on vocal admiration, regardless of genuineness.
While fawning is usually observed in personal interactions where a clear power dynamic is evident, flattery can be used in a broader range of contexts, including casual conversations, professional environments, or social gatherings.
Fawn behaviors can sometimes be seen as obsequious or sycophantic, which might lead to a negative perception if recognized as ingenuine. In contrast, flattery, even when recognized as excessive, is often socially accepted or even expected in many cultures.
In terms of impact, fawning can lead to an erosion of one's self-esteem as it often involves diminishing oneself to elevate another. Whereas, flattery, particularly when not believed by the recipient, may not significantly impact one’s self-view but can affect the dynamics of relationships and trust.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Displaying exaggerated affection to gain favor
Giving excessive compliments to manipulate
Context
Typically involves power dynamics
Can occur in any social interaction
Behavior
Subservient, often seen as sycophantic
Focused on vocal admiration
Social Perception
May be viewed negatively if perceived as ingenuine
Generally accepted, though seen as manipulative
Impact on Self
Can diminish self-esteem
May affect relationships, less impact on self-esteem
Compare with Definitions
Fawn
To exhibit exaggerated flattery or adulation.
She would often fawn over her boss, hoping to be noticed for a promotion.
Flattery
Praise given in excessive, often insincere, amounts to further one's own interests.
Her flattery towards the judge was obvious to everyone in the room.
Fawn
To seek favor through servile behavior.
The intern fawned upon the senior managers at every opportunity.
Flattery
Compliments given to manipulate or deceive.
He used flattery as a tool to climb the corporate ladder.
Fawn
To show affection in an excessive manner.
The young actor fawned over the industry veterans, hoping for guidance.
Flattery
The act of giving excessive compliments.
His constant flattery made his colleagues skeptical of his sincerity.
Fawn
To behave in a sycophantic way.
They fawned over the celebrity at the party, ignoring everyone else.
Flattery
Excessive and potentially dishonest praise.
She was known for her flattery, which often bordered on deceit.
Fawn
To act with exaggerated affection or deference.
During the meeting, he fawned at every comment made by the director.
Flattery
Admiration expressed in an overstated or untruthful manner.
The flattery at the award show was palpable and somewhat unctuous.
Fawn
A young deer in its first year
A six-month-old roe fawn
Flattery
The act or practice of flattering.
Fawn
A light brown colour
A fawn dress
Soft shades of pale green and fawn
Flattery
Excessive or insincere praise.
Fawn
(of a deer) produce young
The forest was closed for hunting when the does were fawning
Flattery
(uncountable) Excessive praise or approval, which is often insincere and sometimes contrived to win favour.
Fawn
(of a person) give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favour
Congressmen fawn over the President
Flattery
(countable) An instance of excessive praise.
Fawn
To exhibit affection or attempt to please, as a dog does by wagging its tail, whining, or cringing.
Flattery
The act or practice of flattering; the act of pleasing by artful commendation or compliments; adulation; false, insincere, or excessive praise.
Just praise is only a debt, but flattery is a present.
Flattery corrupts both the receiver and the giver.
Fawn
To seek favor or attention by flattery and obsequious behavior.
Flattery
Excessive or insincere praise
Fawn
A young deer, especially one less than a year old.
Fawn
A grayish yellow-brown to moderate reddish brown.
Fawn
A young deer.
Fawn
A pale brown colour tinted with yellow, like that of a fawn.
Fawn
(obsolete) The young of an animal; a whelp.
Fawn
(rare) A servile cringe or bow.
Fawn
Base flattery.
Fawn
Of the fawn colour.
Fawn
(intransitive) To give birth to a fawn.
Fawn
(intransitive) To exhibit affection or attempt to please.
Fawn
(intransitive) To seek favour by flattery and obsequious behaviour (with on or upon).
Fawn
To show devotion or submissiveness by wagging its tail, nuzzling, licking, etc.
Fawn
A young deer; a buck or doe of the first year. See Buck.
Fawn
The young of an animal; a whelp.
[The tigress] . . . followeth . . . after her fawns.
Fawn
A fawn color.
Fawn
A servile cringe or bow; mean flattery; sycophancy.
Fawn
Of the color of a fawn; fawn-colored.
Fawn
To bring forth a fawn.
Fawn
To court favor by low cringing, frisking, etc., as a dog; to flatter meanly; - often followed by on or upon.
You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds.
Thou with trembling fear,Or like a fawning parasite, obeyest.
Courtiers who fawn on a master while they betray him.
Fawn
A color varying around light grayish brown;
She wore a dun raincoat
Fawn
Young deer
Fawn
Show submission or fear
Fawn
Try to gain favor by cringing or flattering;
He is always kowtowing to his boss
Fawn
Have fawns;
Deer fawn
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between fawning and flattery?
Fawning is more behaviorally submissive and sycophantic, aimed at gaining favor through exaggerated affection, while flattery involves offering excessive compliments, often to manipulate.
Can fawning be considered a form of flattery?
Yes, fawning can be considered a form of flattery, but it specifically refers to behavior that is more servile or obsequious.
What are the consequences of fawning in a professional setting?
It can lead to a lack of respect and trust, potentially undermining the individual’s professional credibility and self-esteem.
How can one tell if someone is fawning or just being polite?
Fawning tends to be more exaggerated and involves a clear intent to gain favor by lowering oneself, unlike simple politeness.
Does flattery have to be insincere?
Flattery often involves exaggeration or insincerity, but it can also be a genuine, albeit exaggerated, expression of praise.
What role does self-esteem play in fawning and flattery?
Lower self-esteem might lead individuals to fawn more in order to feel validated, while those using flattery might do so from a position of trying to enhance their own status or security.
How can one respond effectively to flattery?
Acknowledging the compliment while assessing its sincerity can be a balanced response, allowing for polite recognition without encouraging manipulative behavior.
Is flattery always negative?
Not necessarily; while it can be manipulative, flattery is also often used socially to simply express admiration, though it can be excessive.
Can fawning affect personal relationships?
Yes, it can damage relationships if perceived as ingenuine or manipulative, potentially leading to a loss of personal respect and trust.
What motivates someone to fawn over another?
Motivations can include desire for career advancement, personal gain, or favor, especially in imbalanced power dynamics.
How do cultural differences impact perceptions of fawning and flattery?
Cultural norms influence how both behaviors are perceived, with some cultures valuing modesty and viewing these behaviors negatively, while others might see them as necessary social strategies.
Is flattery effective in influencing others?
It can be, especially if the recipient is unaware of the exaggeration or enjoys the admiration, though it can backfire if perceived as insincere.
Can someone fawn without realizing it?
Yes, individuals might unconsciously fawn as a learned behavior in response to authority figures.
What are examples of non-verbal flattery?
Non-verbal flattery could include nodding excessively, smiling broadly, or other gestures meant to show agreement or admiration.
Are there any positive aspects of fawning?
While generally viewed negatively, in some contexts, fawning can be a way to navigate difficult or hierarchical situations, potentially leading to short-term gains.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
