Origins of “Butter Someone Up”

The expression likely has roots in various ancient customs where butter or other smooth substances were associated with offering praise or blessings:

1. Ancient Hindu Practice
   In ancient India, it was common for people to throw butter balls at statues of gods as a form of prayer or offering. This act was meant to seek blessings, showing reverence to win favor from the deities. From this custom, the idea of “buttering up” someone came to represent trying to please or win favor.
2. Smooth Like Butter
   Another aspect of the phrase relates to the qualities of butter itself. Just as butter is smooth and spreads easily, flattering words “smooth over” someone’s ego, making them more likely to respond positively.

How It’s Used Today

When we say someone is “buttering up” another person, it’s usually light-hearted and implies that the flattery might be a bit over-the-top or exaggerated, often to achieve a particular outcome.

Example Sentences:

• “He was buttering up his boss with compliments to get a promotion.”
• “I know you’re buttering me up because you want something!”