Sycophancy
The social psychology term: sycophancy
Sycophancy captures the behavioral surface — the excessive flattery, the mirroring of the powerful person’s opinions, the competitive enthusiasm to please. What distinguishes sycophancy around a bully specifically is that it isn’t purely opportunistic. There’s a fear substrate underneath the flattery. The sycophant around a bully is also buying protection and signaling non-threat status to the group.
The social psychology term: sycophancy
Sycophancy captures the behavioral surface — the excessive flattery, the mirroring of the powerful person’s opinions, the competitive enthusiasm to please. What distinguishes sycophancy around a bully specifically is that it isn’t purely opportunistic. There’s a fear substrate underneath the flattery. The sycophant around a bully is also buying protection and signaling non-threat status to the group.