Curry Favour
The phrase “curry favour” – sometimes spelled “curry favor” – means to try to gain the approval of someone in a position of power by flattery or obsequious behaviour. It implies an attempt to gain advantage through insincere praise or small acts of kindness designed to manipulate or please. While seemingly straightforward, the phrase carries a history and nuance that make it a fascinating subject for literary analysis and a common trope in storytelling.
Origin of “Curry Favour”
The origin of “curry favour” is rooted in Middle English. The verb curry was used to mean “to flatter” or “to seek favour.” The idiom first appears in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries and was popularised in the early seventeenth century. It is unrelated to the spice curry or any horse named Fauvel. The phrase entered common usage in political and social contexts to describe those who sought advancement through insincere praise and servile behaviour.
Analysis & Importance in Literature
The phrase “curry favour” is more than a descriptive idiom. It is a powerful literary device used to reveal character, critique societal structures, and drive narrative conflict. Its presence in a text often signals themes of power, ambition, hypocrisy, and social climbing. Authors use it to expose the motivations behind characters’ actions and to comment on the corrupting influence of power.
A character who curries favour is rarely heroic or admirable. Instead, they are typically depicted as opportunistic, shallow, and lacking integrity. This portrayal allows authors to explore the ethical implications of ambition and the compromises people make to achieve their goals. The act of currying favour frequently highlights a power imbalance, revealing how the less powerful attempt to manipulate those in authority.
Furthermore, the phrase can be used ironically or satirically. An author might present a character who is obviously trying to curry favour, highlighting the absurdity of their attempts and exposing their true motives. This technique can be particularly effective in comedic or satirical works. The phrase is also useful in historical fiction, allowing authors to accurately depict the social dynamics of past eras where patronage and flattery were common means of advancement. It shows the reader the inner workings of politics and the methods characters use to gain status.
Examples in Literature
Example #1: The History of England from the Accession of James II by Thomas Babington Macaulay
Politicians who in 1807 sought to curry favour with George III by defending Caroline of Brunswick were not ashamed in 1820 to curry favour with George IV by persecuting her. In both periods the entire working class remained devoted to her cause, echoing the sentiments of Monmouth.
Macaulay uses “curry favour” to expose the hypocrisy of politicians who shifted their allegiance based on which monarch was in power. Their actions were motivated not by principle but by a desire to gain favour and maintain their positions. The phrase illustrates the opportunistic nature of political life and the willingness of individuals to compromise their integrity for personal gain.
Example #2: The Sacred Gate: Volume 11 by Ping Fan Lao Wo Niu
On the contrary, some cultivators thought that Chen Mow said this to curry favour with Head Chief and the rest. Who would not want to curry favour with the Martial Arts Alliance, the Martial Saint of the eighteenth continents of the Nine Regions?
“Hahahahaha…”
The Martial Arts Alliance smiled happily and said, “Alright, then I’ll thank the little friend.” He knows that Chen Mow is definitely not trying to curry favour with the Martial Arts Alliance and is instead trying to curry favour with him.
Here, the phrase highlights the expectations surrounding power dynamics. Those around the Martial Saint readily assume that Chen Mow’s actions are motivated by a desire to curry favour. The narrative’s twist—that the Martial Saint knows Chen Mow isn’t acting out of flattery—adds complexity and suggests a more nuanced relationship. The phrase serves to establish a common assumption, which the narrative then subverts.
Example #3: The Rise of David Levinsky by Abraham Cahan
I am a member of that synagogue chiefly because it is a fashionable synagogue. I often convict myself of currying favour with the German Jews. But then German‑American Jews curry favour with Portuguese‑American Jews, just as we all curry favour with Gentiles and as American Gentiles curry favour with the aristocracy of Europe.
Cahan uses “curry favour” to illustrate the pervasive nature of social climbing and the desire for acceptance within different communities. The passage suggests that the act of currying favour is not limited to a specific group but is a universal phenomenon driven by social ambition and the pursuit of belonging. It reveals a cynical view of social interactions, where everyone is constantly seeking to gain advantage by pleasing those in positions of power or status.
Example #4: Model Worker by Magazine
And I’ve been shirking my duty
So I’ve been sending gifts to curry favour
But because I love you
And because you love me
A model worker
I’ll willingly be
This excerpt demonstrates how “curry favour” can be intertwined with romantic relationships. The speaker admits to sending gifts not out of genuine generosity but as a means to gain favour with their beloved. The phrase reveals a manipulative aspect to their affection, suggesting that their actions are motivated by a desire to influence and control. The contradiction between shirking duty and offering gifts adds complexity to the speaker’s character and highlights the lengths they will go to achieve their desires.
Beyond Literature
The phrase “curry favour” extends beyond literary analysis. Understanding its historical roots and nuances can enrich your understanding of social interactions and political dynamics. It is a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that motives are often complex. Recognizing the subtle ways in which people attempt to gain favour can help you navigate social situations with greater awareness and critical thinking.
Furthermore, the phrase serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sacrificing integrity for personal gain. While ambition is not inherently negative, the pursuit of favour at any cost can lead to moral compromises and ultimately erode trust.