Where Does Buttering up Come from?

This phrase derives directly from the act of spreading butter on bread or any other edible substance to make it soft and tastier so that the person eating it gets more satisfaction from it. So this came to represent spreading nice things about someone just so you could get something in return.

What does the phrase buttering up mean?

transitive verb. : to charm or beguile with lavish flattery or praise. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About butter up.

What do you call buttering someone up?

fawn, kowtow, suck (up to), toady.