The Beginnings of 12 Everyday Expressions You Use Without Knowing Why

"Butter Someone Up" — Sweet Rituals of Ancient India

To "butter someone up" means to flatter someone excessively, often with the intent of gaining favor or advantage. This expression's origins are deeply rooted in ancient Indian customs, where it was customary to offer butter as a form of worship and appeasement to deities. The act of smearing butter on statues of gods was believed to curry favor and invoke blessings, thus laying the groundwork for the modern expression. The transition from a religious ritual to a colloquial expression highlights the cultural exchanges that shape language over time. As these practices spread and evolved, the concept of using flattery to gain favor was abstracted into everyday interactions. The phrase "butter someone up" encapsulates the idea of using sweet words and gestures to smooth over relationships, much like the buttering of deities in ancient rituals.