At a glance
verbcomical-actionexpressive
Word page
Kowtow
In plain English, to kowtow means to behave with exaggerated submission, flattery, or deference. This unusual word appears in Ridiculous Verbs and is worth knowing for readers searching for meaning, pronunciation, origin, usage, and example sentences.
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, to kowtow means to behave with exaggerated submission, flattery, or deference.
Why this word feels absurd
Kowtow feels absurd because it compresses a whole performance of cringing obedience into one brisk little verb.
Origin and history
The word entered English from a Chinese expression referring to kneeling and bowing in respect. In English it broadened into a figurative term for fawning submission to power or status.
Is this word still used today?
Yes. Kowtow is still used today and remains easy to understand in modern English.
Example sentences
- The columnist accused the company of kowtowing to every loud complaint online.
- He refused to kowtow to donors who wanted editorial control.
- Critics said the policy was designed to kowtow to the most powerful lobbyists.
When should you use this word?
Use Kowtow when you want something more vivid, distinctive, or precise than a flatter everyday alternative. It works best in writing that welcomes color and voice.
Similar words
Bamboozle, Beclown, Bedaub, Kakorrhaphiophobia, Kelpie
Opposite or contrasting words
clarity, simplicity, plainness
Common questions
- What does kowtow mean? To act in an excessively submissive or fawning way
- How do you pronounce kowtow? It is commonly pronounced kow-tow.
- Is kowtow a real English word? Yes. Kowtow is a real English word or established term in English usage.
- Is kowtow still used today? Today, kowtow is still used in journalism, political commentary, and opinion writing when someone is seen as bending too eagerly to pressure or authority.
- What words are similar to kowtow? grovel, fawn, submit.