“A Flatterer’s Best Friend?” Unraveling the Crossword Clue “Sycophant”
Ah, the sycophant. A creature of calculated charm and opportunistic praise, they weave their way into the hearts (and wallets) of the powerful. But what exactly is a sycophant? And how does this slippery word find its way into the world of crosswords?
Let’s delve into the etymology and explore the hidden layers of this intriguing crossword clue.
For the uninitiated, a sycophant is someone who flatters and fawns over another person, usually for personal gain. The term itself has a fascinating history, rooted in the ancient Greek word “sykon,” meaning “fig.”
Now, you might be wondering, what do figs have to do with flattery? Well, in ancient Greece, a particular species of fig was known to attract wasps. These wasps, in turn, would lay their eggs within the figs. Clever sycophants would then bribe officials with these wasp-infested figs, a symbolic gesture of their willingness to “be a wasp” – willing to do anything to gain favor.
So, the word “sycophant” became synonymous with someone willing to engage in deceitful flattery for personal gain, just like those crafty fig-bearing wasps!
Beyond its historical roots, the word “sycophant” also carries a certain weight in the world of literature and language. Shakespeare, for instance, frequently used the term to describe characters who employed manipulative flattery to advance their own agendas.
In contemporary society, the sycophant remains a figure of intrigue, both a source of humor and a cautionary tale about the dangers of blind ambition.
But how does this word fit into the world of crosswords?
Let’s explore some potential clues that could lead you to the answer, “sycophant,” and unlock the hidden gems within this often-overlooked word.
Available Answers:
YES-MEN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: NY Times Crossword 16 Oct 24, Wednesday