Unctuous vs. Sycophant — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Unctuous describes overly flattering behavior, often insincerely so; a sycophant is a person who acts obsequiously to gain advantage.
Difference Between Unctuous and Sycophant
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Unctuous behavior is characterized by excessive smoothness or greasiness in social interactions, typically in an attempt to impress or persuade others. Whereas, a sycophant embodies these characteristics, engaging in obsequious and flattering behavior specifically to gain favor or advantages from someone in authority.
People often use the term unctuous when referring to someone whose compliments and flattery feel insincere or too calculated. On the other hand, sycophants are not just insincere but are strategic in their flattery, aiming to secure a specific favor or influence.
Unctuous can describe actions, speech, or even a general demeanor that seems artificially polished or smooth. In contrast, a sycophant is always a person, not a behavior, whose actions are defined by their intent to curry favor.
The unctuous behavior can occur in any social interaction, suggesting a general disposition toward ingratiation. Whereas a sycophant’s behavior is usually targeted toward individuals from whom they wish to obtain something specific.
One might encounter unctuous attitudes in various social settings, from sales pitches to casual conversations where someone wants to make an overly favorable impression. Sycophants, however, typically operate in environments where power dynamics are evident, such as in workplaces or political structures.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Exhibiting excessive flattery, often insincere
A person who flatters others to gain favor
Focus
Behavior or demeanor
Specific individual
Intent
To impress or persuade
To gain favor or advantage
Usage in a sentence
"His unctuous tone made the compliment seem insincere."
"She acted like a sycophant, always praising the boss for minor tasks."
Common contexts
Social interactions, sales
Workplaces, political settings
Compare with Definitions
Unctuous
Insincerely earnest.
They found his unctuous concern for their problems disingenuous.
Sycophant
Aims to be in good graces.
The sycophant at the party was quick to align with influential guests.
Unctuous
Characterized by excessive smoothness.
The unctuous rhetoric at the seminar made her skeptical of the true intentions.
Sycophant
A self-seeking flatterer.
As a sycophant, he complimented every idea the manager had.
Unctuous
Greasily charming.
The salesman’s unctuous demeanor was off-putting rather than reassuring.
Sycophant
Someone obsequious to authority.
She disliked the sycophant in her team, who was always currying favor with superiors.
Unctuous
Overly flattering.
His unctuous smile was less welcoming than it was calculating.
Sycophant
One who seeks to gain through flattery.
The sycophant lingered by the director’s office, ready with compliments.
Unctuous
Falsely earnest.
His unctuous apologies felt hollow and practiced.
Sycophant
Known for ingratiating behavior.
He was a known sycophant, using flattery as a ladder to climb the corporate ranks.
Unctuous
Excessively ingratiating or insincerely earnest
Was annoyed by the unctuous waiter.
Sycophant
A person who attempts to gain advantage by flattering influential people or behaving in a servile manner.
Unctuous
Containing or composed of oil or fat.
Sycophant
One who uses obsequious compliments to gain self-serving favour or advantage from another; a servile flatterer.
Unctuous
Having the quality or characteristics of oil or ointment; slippery.
Sycophant
One who seeks to gain through the powerful and influential.
Unctuous
Abundant in organic materials; soft and rich
Unctuous soil.
Sycophant
(obsolete) An informer; a talebearer.
Unctuous
Of a liquid, semisolid, or other substance: having the nature or properties of an unguent or ointment; greasy, oily.
Sycophant
To inform against; hence, to calumniate.
Unctuous
Having fat or oil present; fatty, greasy, oily.
Sycophant
To play the sycophant toward; to flatter obsequiously.
Unctuous
Of an aroma or taste, or a beverage (such as coffee or wine) or food (such as gravy, meat, or sauce): having layers of concentrated, velvety flavour; lush, rich.
Sycophant
An informer; a talebearer.
Unctuous
Of soil: soft and sticky.
Sycophant
A base parasite; a mean or servile flatterer; especially, a flatterer of princes and great men.
A sycophant will everything admire:Each verse, each sentence, sets his soul on fire.
Unctuous
(figuratively) Of a person:
Sycophant
To inform against; hence, to calumniate.
Sycophanting and misnaming the work of his adversary.
Unctuous
Complacent, self-satisfied, smug.
Sycophant
To play the sycophant toward; to flatter obsequiously.
Unctuous
Profusely polite, especially in an insincere and unpleasant manner.
Sycophant
To play the sycophant.
Unctuous
Of the nature or quality of an unguent or ointment; fatty; oily; greasy.
Sycophant
A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal advantage
Unctuous
Having a smooth, greasy feel, as certain minerals.
Unctuous
Bland; suave; also, tender; fervid; as, an unctuous speech; sometimes, insincerely suave or fervid.
Unctuous
Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech;
Buttery praise
Gave him a fulsome introduction
An oily sycophantic press agent
Oleaginous hypocrisy
Smarmy self-importance
The unctuous Uriah Heep
Common Curiosities
Why do people dislike unctuous behavior?
Many find unctuous behavior off-putting because it feels dishonest and manipulative, lacking genuine interaction.
Can a sycophant change their ways?
Yes, with self-awareness and a desire to build genuine relationships, a sycophant can change to develop more sincere ways of interacting.
Are there industries where sycophantic behavior is more common?
Industries with rigid hierarchies and competitive environments, like entertainment and politics, may see more sycophantic behavior.
What situations typically bring out unctuous behavior?
Unctuous behavior often appears in situations requiring persuasion, like sales, networking events, or when someone wants to make a particularly good impression.
How do cultural differences affect the perception of unctuous behavior?
Cultural norms vary in communication styles; what is considered unctuous in one culture might be seen as polite or expected in another.
What are the long-term effects of being a sycophant?
Long-term, sycophants may damage their professional reputation and relationships, potentially limiting career growth and personal development.
Is it possible to be unctuous in a positive way?
Typically, unctuous has a negative connotation, but in some contexts, such as acting or certain social ceremonies, exaggerated behavior might be appropriate.
Is unctuous behavior learned or inherent?
Unctuous behavior is usually learned as individuals adapt to social and professional environments where they believe such behavior offers benefits.
How can managers prevent sycophantic behavior in their teams?
Managers can promote a culture of honesty and merit, recognizing contributions fairly and discouraging favoritism.
How can one respond to unctuous behavior?
It's best to maintain professionalism and set clear boundaries. Responding with straightforwardness can discourage the continuation of such behavior.
Does being a sycophant ever offer any advantages?
Short term, sycophants may gain favor or advantages, but these gains are often unsustainable and can lead to a loss of respect from peers.
Can someone be unintentionally unctuous?
Yes, individuals may sometimes be excessively flattering or eager to please without the intent of being insincere or manipulative.
What psychological traits are common in sycophants?
Sycophants often exhibit traits like low self-esteem, high agreeableness, and a strong desire for approval and acceptance.
How can one differentiate genuine compliments from unctuous flattery?
Genuine compliments are typically specific and spontaneous, whereas unctuous flattery often feels generic, excessive, and timed for personal gain.
Can sycophantic behavior be justified in any scenario?
While generally viewed negatively, in highly competitive environments, some might view sycophantic behavior as a necessary strategy for survival or advancement, though it's ethically questionable.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
