fawning

This term carries a strong negative connotation of insincerity and desperation. It evokes the image of a dog wagging its tail and cowering to please a master, suggesting a loss of dignity and a subservient posture. While flattery can be subtle or social, fawning is overt, excessive, and often perceived as pathetic or transparent.

In professional or social hierarchies, it describes a specific type of power imbalance where the subordinate uses exaggerated praise as a tool for survival or advancement. It is distinct from genuine admiration, as the primary motivation is self-interest rather than authentic appreciation.