'sycophantic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'sykophantēs,' where 'sykon' meant 'fig' and 'phainō' meant 'to show.'

'sykophantēs' transformed into the Latin word 'sycophanta,' and eventually became the modern English word 'sycophant' through Old French.

Initially, it meant 'an informer or accuser,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a servile flatterer.'