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sipsip

sip; suck; bootlick

verb SIP-sip Native origin Less Common

Usage Note

Sipsip is a reduplicated root with two distinct meanings: literally, to sip or suck a liquid; figuratively — and very commonly — to flatter excessively or suck up to someone in authority. The figurative use is widespread in workplace humor, and mapagsi psip is the adjective for a sycophant.

Examples

Beginner

" Mahilig siyang sipsip sa boss. "

Natural Translation

He likes to suck up to the boss.

Literal Translation

Fond he-that bootlick to-the boss.

Intermediate

" Uminom siya ng isang sipsip ng tubig. "

Natural Translation

He/she took a sip of water.

Literal Translation

Drank he/she of one sip of water.

Advanced

" Hindi siya umaangat sa trabaho dahil sa galing, kundi dahil sa walang humpay niyang pagsipsip sa mga nakatataas. "

Natural Translation

He isn't getting ahead at work because of skill, but because of his relentless flattering of his superiors.

Literal Translation

Not he rising in work because of skill, but because of no stop his bootlicking to-the higher-ups.

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