Can You Spot the Fakery?
No, not whether a Christmas tree is real or
artificial. This week’s Wordplay Wednesday defines real vs. artificial people.
Life is full of fake
people. Before you decide to judge them, make sure you are not one of them …
SYCOPHANT (sikʹɘ fɘnt, -fantʹ) n. – a person who seeks favor by flattering people of wealth
or influence; parasite, toady. [WW #246*]
“Flattery will get you everywhere” is
oft repeated with tongue-in-cheek, implying no real acceptance. However, a sycophant
will always try, feigning and fawning to deliver a compliment with wide-eyed
innocence.
Business and politics are full of sycophants,
to the point of needing psychologists and behavioral analysts to
determine liars from the honorable. It’s practically expected we sweet-talk
a superior, hoping for a favorable review. (Albeit a little trickier in a
volatile “PC” climate.)
 |
| Which face would you slap first? |
It begs a quote I stumbled on recently: I
hate two-faced people. It’s so hard to decide which face to slap first. (Unknown)
After a quick chuckle, I moved on to consider that a sycophant’s flattery is
only worth as much as the intent with which it is given. The trick is
discerning what that is.
Which brings us to a poignant reason
the Holidays are often important on more than one level.
Take some time off … spend it with
your dearest family and friends … remember what it’s like to be with those who
have no need for a sycophant. Their only expectation is your
honest time and unconditional love. You’ll return to business with a renewed perception
of authenticity.
Word Challenge: SYCOPHANT. Rejuvenate your soul without pretense this Holiday Season,
as you consider the hypocrisy of this week’s word, and fit sycophant into your week of philosophical writings.
Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening!
Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s
your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by
trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in
her Blast from Your Past series (of
three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT
Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years
1954-1959; and Book
2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic
Seventies!]
*Note: Dictionary definitions are quoted from Webster’s
New World College Dictionary. Yes, we sometimes present them out of
“official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as “creative context.”
Endnote: FYI – All links in the PFP site are personally
visited, verified, and vetted. Most are linked to commonly accessed sites of
reputable note. However, as with everything cyber-security, use at your own
discretion.
E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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