Jenkins
4 synonyms for Jenkins, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person who fawns over or flatters others, especially to gain favor.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From the surname Jenkins, itself from the medieval given name Jenkin ("little John"). The flatterer sense comes from stock servant characters named Jenkins in older English fiction and theatre.
Full origin of Jenkins →Frequently asked questions
What does “Jenkins” mean?
The word “Jenkins” means a person who fawns over or flatters others, especially to gain favor. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, fairly rare word for a suck-up or yes-man.
How do you pronounce “Jenkins”?
“Jenkins” is pronounced JEHNG-kihnz (/ˈd͡ʒɛŋkɪnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jenkins” in a sentence?
Here is “Jenkins” used in a sentence: “He was such a jenkins around the boss, agreeing with everything she said.”
What part of speech is “Jenkins”?
“Jenkins” is a noun.
Is “Jenkins” a common word?
“Jenkins” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What does it mean to call someone a Jenkins?
Calling someone a Jenkins describes them as a person who fawns over or flatters others, especially to gain favor. It is used as an informal, somewhat disapproving label for excessive flattery or toadying behavior.
Is Jenkins used as a common noun or just a surname?
While Jenkins is widely known as an ordinary English surname, in informal usage it can also function as a common noun describing a flatterer or fawning person.
Is calling someone a Jenkins a compliment?
No, describing someone as a Jenkins is generally critical or mocking, implying insincere flattery rather than genuine praise.
