flatterer

This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying a lack of integrity and a calculated approach to social interaction. It describes someone who uses praise as a tool for manipulation rather than a genuine expression of admiration, often evoking images of sycophancy or social climbing within professional or political hierarchies.

Because the word describes a specific role or persona, it is used in contexts where the speaker wishes to warn others about a person's ulterior motives. It differs from a complimentary person in that the flatterer's intent is purely transactional, seeking a specific reward or favor in exchange for their insincere praise.