brownie point
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Unknown, but possibly from brownnose, and often associated with the points Girl Guides or Girl Scouts at the Brownie level (ages 6-8) receive for doing specific tasks that when accumulated earn them badges (a sign of recognition) to wear on their Brownie Uniform. Attested from the 1960s.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
brownie point (plural brownie points)
- (idiomatic, slang, originally US, chiefly in the plural) Credit or praise for good work or a good deed, often for the express purpose of currying favor.
- You're really going to get some brownie points from the teacher for that fantastic essay!
- 1967 November, Harriette Bailey Conn, “Women legislators”, in Ebony[1], page 14:
- However, you get Brownie points for having spelled my names right—all of them, and the first time too!
Usage notes[edit]
- This term is often used sarcastically to highlight someone's sycophantic behaviour.
Translations[edit]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- “brownie, n.1.”, in OED Online , Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.
Further reading[edit]
- brownie points on Wikipedia.Wikipedia