unctuous behavior
1
9.8
- noun
- /ˈʌŋk.tʃu.əs bɪˈheɪ.vjər/
:
comportamiento untuoso
- People often see through unctuous behavior and regard it as insincere.
Examples
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The manager's unctuous behavior made everyone in the meeting uncomfortable.
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His unctuous behavior at the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
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Her unctuous behavior towards the director was obvious to her colleagues.
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I can't stand her unctuous behavior during presentations.
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His unctuous behavior during the meeting made everyone uncomfortable as he constantly flattered the boss.
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She was criticized for her unctuous behavior, which seemed insincere to those who knew her well.
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Despite his unctuous behavior, many felt he was just trying to manipulate the situation to his advantage.
Synonyms
37
4.7
Praise people give without meaning it to get something from someone
1
9.9
Speech or manner that feels false and too eager to please
1
9.2
Too much praise that tries to make people like you
A false friendliness that tries to please or impress people
A way of behaving that praises people in charge to get their favor
A way of speaking that is too friendly and seems not sincere
Antonyms
How Insincere
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective+noun composition: 'unctuous' (oily/insincerely flattering) directly modifies 'behavior', so the phrase simply denotes behavior that is ingratiating or insincere. While 'unctuous' is somewhat metaphorical and lower-frequency, the meaning of the compound is fully predictable for a learner who already knows the adjective's sense.
Etymology
Unctuous behavior comes from an old word that meant 'oily', so unctuous paints the picture of someone with a shiny, oily smile and very smooth words. That's why unctuous behavior means flattering or too polite in a way that feels 'insincere'.