Toad-eating, the sycophantic behavior of flattery or ingratiation, has various synonyms, including bootlicking, fawning, groveling, obsequiousness, servility, and ingratiating behavior. The act of toad-eating is often associated with individuals who seek to gain favor, approval, or advantage with superiors or influential people by subserviently flattering them or agreeing with their opinions. Other similar words associated with toad-eating include apple-polishing, brown-nosing, ass-kissing, and suck-up behavior. While it may be tempting to engage in toad-eating behavior to climb the social or professional ladder, it can ultimately be detrimental to one's self-respect and integrity. Demonstrating genuine respect and admiration for others, without resorting to sycophancy, is a better way to earn respect and build relationships.