kowtow

/ˌˈkaʊˌˈtaʊ/

Other forms: kowtowing; kowtowed; kowtows

Kowtow, which describes the act of kneeling and touching one’s head to the ground to show respect, used to be a custom in Chinese culture. Now it refers to acting like you're doing that, whether you actually bow or not.

Kowtow is derived from the Chinese word k’o-t’ou, which literally means “knock the head.” As a verb, kowtow has the sense of “sucking up” or "flattering." Maybe you’re wondering when it would be appropriate to kowtow. The answer? When you want to worship, show respect, gain favor, or flatter. You might need to kowtow to your teacher if you failed a test, but if you kowtow to all your neighbor's requests, you might wind up mowing his lawn all summer.

Definitions of kowtow

1. verb

   bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
   synonyms: genuflect, scrape

   type of:

   bow

   bend the head or the upper part of the body in a gesture of respect or greeting
2. verb

   try to gain favor by cringing or flattering
   “He is always kowtowing to his boss”

   synonyms: bootlick, fawn, kotow, suck up, toady, truckle

   types:

   court favor, court favour, curry favor, curry favour

   seek favor by fawning or flattery

   type of:

   blandish, flatter

   praise somewhat dishonestly
3. noun

   a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
   synonyms: kotow

   type of:

   bow, bowing, obeisance

   the act of bending the head, body, or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting