kiss ass

phrase

informal + impolite : to act obsequiously especially to gain favor

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kiss ass was in 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Kiss ass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kiss%20ass. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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