"ingratiate" vs "schmooze up"

Question

"ingratiate" vs "schmooze up"

Both "ingratiate" and "schmooze up" are correct phrases, but they have different levels of formality and connotations. "Ingratiate" is a more formal term meaning to bring oneself into favor with someone through flattery or trying to please them. On the other hand, "schmooze up" is a more informal and colloquial term meaning to engage in friendly or persuasive conversation to gain favor or advantage.

Last Updated: March 23, 2024

To ingratiate oneself means to try to make oneself more attractive or agreeable to someone, often through flattery or pleasing actions.

Examples:

He tried to ingratiate himself with the boss by complimenting her work.
She attempted to ingratiate herself with her new colleagues by bringing them coffee.
It's not necessary to ingratiate yourself with others to be successful.

Alternatives:

curry favor
brown-nose
suck up to
flatter
cater to

To schmooze up means to engage in friendly or persuasive conversation with someone in order to gain favor or advantage, often in a casual setting.

Examples:

He decided to schmooze up to the new client in order to secure the deal.
She always knows how to schmooze up to the right people at parties.
It's important to schmooze up to your colleagues if you want to get ahead in the company.

Alternatives:

ingratiate
network
socialize
befriend
cultivate relationships

Answer 1

ingratiate

This is a correct and commonly used term in English, especially in formal contexts.

Answer 2

schmooze up

This is a correct term, but it is more informal and colloquial compared to "ingratiate."

"ingratiate" vs "schmooze up"

ingratiate

schmooze up

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