10 Everyday Phrases That Came From Weird Historical Events

5. "Butter Someone Up": A Sticky Tradition

The phrase "butter someone up" is often used to describe flattering someone to gain favour or advantage. Its origins are believed to be rooted in an ancient Indian custom involving offering butter to the gods. In this ritual, clarified butter, or ghee, was thrown against statues of deities as a form of worship and appeasement. The act of "buttering up" the gods was meant to curry favour and ensure blessings. This practice of offering butter as a symbol of devotion and reverence eventually became a metaphor for flattery in human relationships. The transition from a religious ritual to a colloquial expression highlights the fluid nature of language and how cultural practices can influence linguistic evolution.