Suck up

verb

To behave very nicely to someone, often a person in authority, in order to gain personal benefit or advantage.

He's always trying to suck up to the boss to get a promotion.
Visual representation of "suck up" - To behave very nicely to someone, often a person in authority, in order to gain personal benefit or advantage.

Often appears as...

  • suck up to someone
  • suck up to the boss

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To absorb or intake a liquid, dust, or small pieces through or as if through a vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner can suck up dirt and dust easily.
Visual representation of "suck up" - To absorb or intake a liquid, dust, or small pieces through or as if through a vacuum cleaner.

Often appears as...

  • suck up dirt
  • suck up dust
verb

To behave very nicely to someone, often a person in authority, in order to gain personal benefit or advantage.

He's always trying to suck up to the boss to get a promotion.
Visual representation of "suck up" - To behave very nicely to someone, often a person in authority, in order to gain personal benefit or advantage.

Often appears as...

  • suck up to someone
  • suck up to the boss

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

verb

To absorb or intake a liquid, dust, or small pieces through or as if through a vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner can suck up dirt and dust easily.
Visual representation of "suck up" - To absorb or intake a liquid, dust, or small pieces through or as if through a vacuum cleaner.

Often appears as...

  • suck up dirt
  • suck up dust
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "suck up"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'suck up' can imply a person is being insincere or manipulative for personal gain.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone knows she's sucking up to the teacher, even though she doesn't like him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

'Suck up' is used in casual or informal conversations rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Speech
I can't stand how he always sucks up to our coach.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Perceived Negatively

When someone is labeled a 'suck up', they're often viewed unfavorably by peers.

Illustration for Perceived Negatively
The other interns don't like him because he's a blatant suck up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'suck up' can imply a person is being insincere or manipulative for personal gain.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone knows she's sucking up to the teacher, even though she doesn't like him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

'Suck up' is used in casual or informal conversations rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Speech
I can't stand how he always sucks up to our coach.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Perceived Negatively

When someone is labeled a 'suck up', they're often viewed unfavorably by peers.

Illustration for Perceived Negatively
The other interns don't like him because he's a blatant suck up.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Using 'suck up' can imply a person is being insincere or manipulative for personal gain.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone knows she's sucking up to the teacher, even though she doesn't like him.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal Speech

'Suck up' is used in casual or informal conversations rather than formal settings.

Illustration for Informal Speech
I can't stand how he always sucks up to our coach.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Perceived Negatively

When someone is labeled a 'suck up', they're often viewed unfavorably by peers.

Illustration for Perceived Negatively
The other interns don't like him because he's a blatant suck up.
Visual representation of the word "Suck up"

Never forget "Suck up"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top