A “toady” is a person who flatters someone in power in an exaggerated, insincere way to gain favor or advantages, similar to a sycophant or “brown‑noser.”

Core meaning

A toady is generally understood as someone who praises or helps powerful or important people mainly to win their approval or benefits, not out of genuine respect.

The term is negative or dismissive, and it suggests being servile, obsequious, or lacking self-respect in dealing with authority.

Usage and related forms

In everyday English, “toady” is a noun (“He’s a toady to the boss”) and can also be used as a verb (“to toady to someone,” meaning to behave like a toady toward them).

Common near-synonyms include “sycophant,” “flatterer,” “bootlicker,” and “minion,” all implying someone who uses flattery and submission to get ahead.