the word 'sycophant' has a vivid and literal origin in ancient greek. it derives from 'sykophantēs', a compound of 'sykon' (fig) and 'phainein' (to show). historically, it referred to an informer who 'showed the fig'—a gesture possibly related to denouncing fig smugglers or making an obscene sign. this role of a malicious accuser evolved in classical greek to denote a slanderer or tale-bearer. through latin and french, the meaning shifted in english during the 16th century to its current sense of a servile, flattering person who seeks favor, moving from one who reveals secrets to one who hides the truth through insincere praise.

Structure: syco (fig) + phant (shower) syco originates from greek 'sykon', meaning 'fig'. phant originates from greek 'phainein', meaning 'to show'. in this compound, 'phant' acts as an agent noun suffix.