How to Say "bootlicking" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “bootlicking” is “pelota” — C1 level.
English → SpanishC1
nounC1informal
sycophancy (often used with 'hacer')
Examples
No le creas, eso es pura pelota para conseguir el ascenso.
Don't believe him, that's pure flattery (or brown-nosing) to get the promotion.
A mí no me gusta hacer la pelota a nadie.
I don't like sucking up to anyone.
Use with 'Hacer'
This figurative meaning almost always appears in the phrase 'hacer la pelota' (to do the flattery), meaning 'to try to please someone important by complimenting them too much.'
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