brownie point

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

Translations

Finnish: irtopiste (fi)
French: bon point (fr) m

References edit

“brownie, n.1.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.