Sycophant Meaning | A Deep Dive into the Art of Insincere Flattery In 2026

A sycophant is a person who uses excessive, insincere flattery to win favor from powerful people. This manipulative behavior involves praising someone not because you admire them, but because you want something from them a promotion, protection, social status, or some other personal gain.

You know that person. Everyone does.

Maybe they sit two cubicles down. Perhaps they hover near your boss at every company party. You’ve seen them laugh too loudly at jokes that aren’t funny. You’ve watched them nod vigorously at ideas that make zero sense. Their compliments come wrapped in desperation, and their smile never quite reaches their eyes.

We have a word for this person. Actually, we have several. But the most precise, most evocative, and frankly most interesting term is sycophant.

Understanding the sycophant meaning isn’t just an academic exercise. It’s survival skill. You’re navigating office politics, building a career, or simply trying to understand human behavior, recognizing sycophantic behavior protects you from manipulation. It helps you spot the fake from the genuine. And it might even save you from becoming one yourself.

So let’s strip away the mystery. Let’s explore what this word actually means, where it comes from, and why it matters more than you think.

What Does Sycophant Mean in Simple Words

Let’s start with the basics. The sycophant definition is refreshingly straightforward once you cut through the linguistic noise.

A sycophant is a person who uses excessive, insincere flattery to win favor from powerful people.

That’s it. No confusing jargon. No academic word salad. Just a simple, clear explanation of a very common human behavior.

But let’s dig deeper. Because the sycophant meaning carries more weight than that simple definition suggests.

The Core Elements of Sycophantic Behavior

When you truly understand the sycophant meaning, you’ll recognize several distinct characteristics:

• Insincerity: They don’t actually believe what they’re saying. The praise is manufactured, not felt. They’re performing, not expressing genuine admiration.
• Targeting Power: They focus on people with influence, money, or authority. You won’t see them flattering the janitor or the intern. They aim upward, always upward.
• Personal Gain: This isn’t just being nice. There’s a transaction happening. They want something. A promotion. A favor. Social status. Protection from criticism. The flattery is currency, and they’re spending it deliberately.
• Excessive Nature: It’s never subtle. The compliments pour out like water from a broken dam. The agreement is total and unquestioning. They don’t just like your idea it’s the best idea they’ve ever heard.
• Conditional Behavior: Watch how they treat people with less power. That’s where the mask slips. Someone who fawns over the boss but dismisses the assistant is waving a giant red flag.

Why the Sycophant Definition Matters

Understanding this definition gives you a powerful lens for viewing social dynamics. When you know what to look for, patterns emerge. You start seeing the sycophantic behavior that previously just felt “off” but you couldn’t name.

And here’s the crucial part: naming something gives you power over it.

Once you understand the sycophant meaning, you can protect yourself. You can choose not to play the game. You can spot manipulation before it affects your career or relationships.

The Strange Origin of Sycophant | Figs, Gestures & Ancient Insults

Here’s where things get really interesting. The sycophant origin story is one of the strangest etymological tales you’ll ever encounter.

The Greek Roots: Sykophantēs

The word sycophant comes from the ancient Greek sykophantēs. Let’s break that down:

• Syko means “fig”
• Phainein means “to show” or “to reveal”

So literally, a sycophant was “one who shows the fig.”

Now, you’re probably thinking: what on earth do figs have to do with flattery?

The Obscene Gesture

In ancient Greece, “showing the fig” was a vulgar hand gesture. You made it by sticking your thumb between your index and middle fingers, forming a fist.

To modern eyes, it looks vaguely like a fist bump gone wrong. But to the ancient Greeks, this gesture represented female genitalia. It was obscene, crude, and deeply insulting.

The sycophant was originally someone who insulted you by making this gesture.

From Slander to Flattery

Here’s where the plot thickens. In ancient Athens, sykophantēs referred to a professional informer or slanderer. These were men who made their living by accusing others of crimes. They’d bring false charges, collect rewards, and generally make life miserable for their targets.

But how did “slanderer” become “flatterer”?

By the 1570s, the meaning had shifted dramatically. The word now described a servile flatterer someone who would say anything to gain favor with the powerful.

Linguists believe this transformation happened through politics. Politicians in ancient Greece would use their followers to make crude gestures and accusations against opponents. Over time, the connection between these obedient flunkies and the sycophant label became permanent.

The Fig Seller Myth and Why It’s Wrong

For centuries, people believed a completely different story about the sycophant origin. The popular theory went like this:

In ancient Greece, exporting figs was illegal. So “sycophants” were informers who reported fig smugglers to the authorities. The word supposedly meant “one who shows (or reveals) figs.”

This is completely false.

Modern linguists have thoroughly debunked this theory. It’s a classic case of people inventing a plausible explanation without any evidence. The actual sycophant meaning is much weirder and more interesting.

Why Etymology Matters

Understanding the sycophant origin isn’t just trivia. It reveals something fundamental about human nature.

The ancient Greeks recognized this behavior thousands of years ago. They had a specific, vivid word for it. That means sycophantic behavior isn’t a modern invention it’s baked into human social dynamics.

We’ve been dealing with sycophants for millennia. We’ve been complaining about them, mocking them, and occasionally falling for their tricks for as long as civilization has existed.

The word stuck because the behavior never went away. It just evolved.

Sycophant Pronunciation | Say It Like You Mean It

Let’s clear this up right now. You don’t want to use this powerful word only to trip over it.

Sycophant pronunciation:

• SIK-uh-fuhnt
• SYE-kuh-fuhnt

Both are acceptable, though the first is more common in American English.

Rhymes with: “Pick a front” or “Sick of hunt”

The adjective form: sycophantic (sik-uh-FAN-tik)

The noun form for the behavior: sycophancy (SIK-uh-fan-see)

A quick tip: The “ph” in the middle sounds like an “f.” So you’re saying “syco-fant,” not “syco-phant.”

Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect. Even native speakers argue about pronunciation. The important thing is using the word correctly and confidently.

Sycophant Synonyms and Antonyms | Building Your Vocabulary Toolkit

Understanding the sycophant meaning means knowing what it is and what it isn’t. Let’s explore the cousins, neighbors, and complete opposites of this fascinating word.

Sycophant Synonyms: The Rogues Gallery

These words are close to the sycophant meaning, but each carries its own subtle flavor:

Sycophant Antonyms: The Truth-Tellers

Every sycophant has an opposite. These are the people who make sycophantic behavior look even worse by comparison:

• Critic: Someone who evaluates honestly and points out flaws. They’re not always popular, but they’re valuable.
• Dissenter: Someone who disagrees openly. They refuse to go along with the group or the powerful person.
• Independent Thinker: Someone who thinks for themselves. They consider evidence rather than following authority blindly.
• Skeptic: Someone who questions claims and assumptions. They don’t accept flattery or status at face value.
• Truth-teller: Someone who speaks honestly, even when it costs them. They prioritize truth over approval.
• Challenger: Someone who pushes back against bad ideas. They’re not disagreeable for its own sake they just refuse to accept nonsense.
• Nonconformist: Someone who refuses to follow social rules blindly. They’re comfortable being different.

Why This Distinction Matters

The sycophant meaning becomes clearer when you contrast it with these opposites. A sycophant isn’t just someone who’s nice. They’re someone who sacrifices their integrity for approval. The independent thinker refuses that trade. The critic values truth over popularity.

Here’s a simple test: Ask yourself the person would say the same thing if nobody powerful were listening. The sycophant’s answer is almost certainly no. The truth-teller’s answer is almost certainly yes.

Sycophant in Action | Real-World Examples

Let’s bring the sycophant meaning to life. These examples show what sycophantic behavior looks like in different contexts.

The Workplace Sycophant

You’ve seen this play out. The office sycophant:

Scenario: Sarah’s boss presents a new initiative during a team meeting. It’s clearly flawed. The timeline is impossible. The budget doesn’t add up. Everyone knows it.

Sarah: “That’s brilliant! This is exactly what we need. I’ve been thinking we should do this for months. You’re so visionary!”

Reality: Sarah knows the idea is terrible. But she wants a promotion. She wants the boss to see her as supportive. She wants to be part of the inner circle.

The Cost: The team implements a bad idea because nobody spoke up. Sarah’s colleagues resent her. The boss misses crucial feedback and makes a poor decision.

The Insight: The sycophant in the workplace creates a culture of silence. When flattery replaces honest feedback, organizations suffer. Good ideas go unchallenged. Bad ideas receive enthusiastic support. Eventually, performance declines.

The Political Sycophant

Politics is the natural habitat of the sycophant. The stakes are higher, the flattery is more extravagant, and the consequences are more serious.

Scenario: A powerful politician makes a controversial statement. It contradicts established facts. It angers significant portions of the population.

The Sycophantic Response: “The leader is absolutely right. It takes courage to speak truth to power. The critics just don’t understand the complexity.”

The Contrast: This is the opposite of good political behavior. In a healthy democracy, leaders need honest advisors. They need people who tell them when they’re wrong. Sycophants destroy that feedback loop.

Historical Examples: History is full of political sycophants who enabled terrible decisions. The courtiers of medieval kings. The yes-men in authoritarian regimes. The advisors who told presidents and prime ministers exactly what they wanted to hear.

Social Climbing Sycophants

Sycophantic behavior isn’t limited to work and politics. It appears in social circles, clubs, and even families.

Scenario: A wealthy, influential person hosts a party. They have a hobby let’s say they collect rare stamps.

The Social Sycophant: “Your stamp collection is unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it. You must have such exquisite taste. Can I see the album again?”

The Reality: The sycophant doesn’t care about stamps. They care about the person’s wealth and influence. They want an invitation to the next party. They want the social status that comes with being seen with this person.

The Cost: Genuine relationships become impossible. The powerful person ends up surrounded by people who don’t actually like them. The sycophant ends up chasing status they can never truly achieve.

Everyday Sycophant Examples

You don’t need to be in a corner office to encounter sycophantic behavior. Here are everyday scenarios:

• The neighbor who constantly compliments the homeowner’s association president, hoping for leniency on rules
• The church member who always agrees with the pastor, never questioning even questionable interpretations
• The friend who tells you everything you want to hear, never offering honest advice or constructive criticism
• The student who flatters the teacher, hoping for better grades or special treatment
• The date who agrees with everything you say, having no opinions of their own

The Signs of a Sycophantic Person | A Practical Guide

How do you spot a sycophant? This section gives you a practical checklist.

The Agreement Test

Sycophants agree with everything you say. Even when you contradict yourself.

• They nod vigorously while you speak
• They echo your phrases back to you
• They never challenge your assumptions
• They change their opinion when you change yours

Test this: State two contradictory opinions in the same conversation. “I think we should expand aggressively. But actually, I worry expansion could bankrupt us.”

A genuine person will ask clarifying questions. A sycophant will agree with both statements.

The Power Gradient Test

Sycophants treat people differently based on power.

• Watch them with someone powerful: excessive flattery, attention, agreement
• Watch them with someone less powerful: dismissal, impatience, even contempt

Test this: Introduce them to two people. One is clearly influential. One clearly isn’t. Notice the difference in body language, tone, and attention.

The Authenticity Test

Genuine people have opinions. They have things they care about that don’t depend on who’s listening.

Sycophants are mirrors. They reflect back what you want to see.

Test this: Ask them about something controversial. Something you have a strong opinion about. Do they have their own view? Or do they just mirror yours back at you?

The Past Behavior Test

Look at their history. If you’ve known them for a while, think about their behavior:

• Have they always flattered the powerful?
• Have they shown loyalty to people who lost power?
• Do they have long-term relationships with equals?
• Have they ever criticized authority?

Test this: Find out how they treated someone who used to be powerful but lost that status. A sycophant abandons the powerless quickly.

The Content Test

What do they actually say?

• Specific, genuine compliments (“I appreciate how you handled that difficult client”)
• Generic, over-the-top praise (“You’re incredible, you’re perfect, everything you do is amazing”)

Test this: Listen to the content of their praise. Is it specific and meaningful? Or is it a flood of vague superlatives?

The Non-Verbal Cues

Body language often reveals what words hide:

• Excessive eye contact or avoiding eye contact with powerful people
• Hunched posture, leaning forward
• Forced, excessive laughter at unfunny comments
• Visible discomfort around equals or subordinates

Why Sycophancy Destroys Organizations

The sycophant meaning carries serious implications for groups, companies, and societies. This isn’t just about individual behavior it’s about systemic failure.

The Echo Chamber Effect

When sycophants surround a leader, an echo chamber forms.

The Process:

• The leader expresses an opinion
• Sycophants enthusiastically agree
• The leader feels validated
• The leader becomes more confident in their view
• The leader stops seeking differing perspectives
• The leader makes decisions without critical input
• Bad decisions get made with universal agreement

The Result: Leaders become isolated from reality. They make catastrophic decisions because nobody tells them the truth.

Real World Example: Consider the 2008 financial crisis. Many banks had cultures where questioning senior executives was discouraged. Sycophantic behavior in leadership circles contributed to catastrophic decisions.

The Talent Drain

Sycophants drive talented people away.

The Process:

• Competent employees see sycophants getting promoted
• They realize performance doesn’t matter as much as flattery
• They become disengaged or cynical
• The best employees leave for better cultures
• The organization loses its most talented people
• The remaining employees become more sycophantic to survive
• The organization’s overall quality declines

The Data: Research consistently shows that toxic workplace cultures including cultures that reward sycophancy have significantly higher turnover. The cost of replacing a talented employee is often 1.5 to 2 times their annual salary.

The Innovation Killer

Innovation requires honest feedback. Good ideas get better through challenge. Bad ideas get killed before they cause damage.

The Sycophantic Innovation Process:

1. Someone proposes an idea
2. The idea isn’t challenged
3. The idea gets funded and implemented
4. The idea fails
5. Everyone blames someone else
6. No learning occurs because nobody told the truth

Healthy vs. Sycophantic Innovation Culture:

The Moral Decay

Sycophancy gradually erodes organizational ethics.

The Progression:

• People start saying small untruths to please the powerful
• These small untruths become habits
• The habit expands to larger untruths
• Lying becomes normalized
• The organization loses its moral compass
• Scandals and ethical failures become inevitable

The Insight: Sycophancy is a gateway behavior. Once you start lying to please the powerful, it’s easier to lie for other reasons. The whole ethical framework collapses.

Why People Become Sycophants | Understanding the Psychology

Understanding the sycophant meaning requires understanding the psychology behind it. Why do people engage in such obviously manipulative behavior?

The Fear Factor

Fear is the primary driver of sycophantic behavior.

Fear of Failure: People worry they’ll lose their jobs, their status, or their relationships. Sycophancy seems safer than honesty.

Fear of Conflict: Many people can’t handle disagreement. They’d rather agree than face the discomfort of opposition.

Fear of Power: Powerful people are intimidating. Sycophancy feels like a survival strategy.

The Paradox: Sycophancy actually makes people less safe. They become dependent on the powerful person’s favor. They lose their own independent standing.

The Low Self-Esteem Connection

People with low self-esteem often become sycophants.

The Reasoning:

• They don’t believe their own opinions matter
• They seek external validation constantly
• They feel they need powerful people to survive
• They can’t imagine making their own way

The Result: They become mirrors rather than people. They reflect back what they think others want to see.

The Opportunity Seeker

Some sycophants aren’t driven by fear or insecurity. They’re ambitious.

The Logic:

• Flattery is a tool
• Powerful people respond to flattery
• Sycophancy can accelerate a career
• The benefits outweigh the costs

The Reality: This approach often backfires. People eventually see through the flattery. The reputation damage costs more than the short-term gains.

The Cultural Dimension

Some cultures encourage sycophantic behavior more than others.

Cultural Factors:

• Hierarchical societies (where status is rigid)
• Authoritarian political systems (where disagreement is dangerous)
• Highly competitive workplaces (where people fight for limited rewards)
• Families with demanding, critical parents

The Insight: Sycophancy is partly learned behavior. People absorb it from their environment.

The Difference from Genuine People-Pleasing

There’s a crucial distinction between a sycophant and a people-pleaser.

People-Pleaser:

• Genuinely wants others to be happy
• Often struggles with boundaries
• Can be honest when necessary
• May have trouble saying no
• Seeks approval but doesn’t manipulate

Sycophant:

• Wants personal gain
• Manipulates deliberately
• Lies and flatters strategically
• Targets powerful people
• Uses approval as a weapon

The Key Difference: People-pleasers have good intentions but poor boundaries. Sycophants have manipulative intentions and strategic behavior.

Sycophant vs. Loyal Person | An Essential Distinction

This distinction is crucial. Many people confuse sycophantic behavior with genuine loyalty. They’re completely different.

The Loyal Person

The Sycophantic Person

The Test of True Loyalty

Here’s the ultimate test of loyalty versus sycophancy:

Would this person tell you when you’re wrong?

The loyal person will. They’ll say it carefully, respectfully, and privately. But they’ll say it. Because loyalty means helping you succeed, not just making you feel good.

The sycophant won’t. They’ll agree with you even when you’re wrong. They’ll let you make mistakes because saying anything else would risk their position.

True loyalty = honesty + commitment. Sycophancy = flattery + self-interest.

How to Protect Yourself from Sycophants

You’re going to encounter sycophants. Here’s how to handle them without becoming cynical or isolated.

For Leaders: Avoiding the Sycophant Trap

If you’re in a leadership position, you’re the prime target. Here’s how to avoid the sycophant trap:

1. Actively Seek Disagreement

Don’t wait for people to disagree. Ask for it. Reward it.

• “Who disagrees with this approach?”
• “What am I missing here?”
• “Tell me the problems with this plan.”

2. Create Anonymous Feedback Channels

Some people won’t speak up openly. Give them other ways to share their views.

• Anonymous surveys
• Suggestion boxes
• Third-party feedback mechanisms

3. Watch Your Reaction to Criticism

People watch how you respond to disagreement. If you get defensive or angry, you’ll discourage honest feedback. If you thank people for speaking up, you’ll encourage it.

4. Check the Room

When everyone agrees enthusiastically, be suspicious. This almost never happens naturally. Press for differing views.

5. Look at People Who Criticize You

Critics aren’t always right. But they’re often more valuable than sycophants. Give them a fair hearing.

6. Promote Independent Thinkers

Reward people who speak truth to power. Promote them. Celebrate them. Make it clear that sycophancy doesn’t pay.

For Employees: Surviving a Sycophantic Culture

What if you’re working in an environment where sycophancy is rewarded?

1. Protect Your Integrity

Don’t become a sycophant yourself. It’s tempting. It might seem like the only way to get ahead. But it’ll cost you your self-respect and reputation.

2. Be a Quiet Truth-Teller

You don’t have to be confrontational. You can speak truth carefully.

• Frame feedback constructively
• Use questions to challenge assumptions
• Speak privately when possible

3. Build Alliances with Authentic People

Find other truth-tellers. Build relationships with them. Support each other.

4. Document Everything

If you’re in a sycophantic culture, protect yourself. Document decisions you disagree with. Keep records of your honest feedback.

5. Know When to Leave

Some cultures are too toxic to fix. If sycophancy is rewarded and honesty is punished, it might be time to move on.

For Everyone: Building Authentic Relationships

Sycophancy is ultimately about power imbalances. The best protection is healthy relationships.

1. Value Honesty in Relationships

Make it clear that you prefer honesty over flattery. Reward people who tell you the truth.

2. Give Constructive Feedback

Be the kind of person who gives honest feedback. That encourages others to do the same.

3. Watch for Power Imbalances

Be aware of unequal relationships. If you hold power, be careful about what you encourage. If you lack power, be careful about what you offer.

4. Build Relationships on Genuine Common Ground

Don’t just flatter powerful people. Find real connections. Shared interests. Genuine respect.

5. Check Your Own Behavior

We’re all capable of sycophantic behavior sometimes. Be honest with yourself.

Sycophant in Popular Culture and Literature

The sycophant has been a popular character in literature and media for centuries.

Shakespeare’s Sycophants

Shakespeare was masterful at depicting sycophantic behavior.

• Polonius from Hamlet is the classic court sycophant. He spouts empty flattery and gives terrible advice to please the king.
• Malvolio from Twelfth Night is a wonderfully deluded sycophant. He thinks flattering the powerful will win him a promotion.
• Oswald from King Lear is the loyal but sycophantic servant who follows his mistress into destruction.

Modern Pop Culture Sycophants

• Petyr Baelish from Game of Thrones embodies the sycophant as political manipulator. He flatters everyone who can advance his position.
• Gollum from Lord of the Rings shows sycophancy turned pathological. His fawning to the Ring is both ridiculous and tragic.
• Wayne in the BBC show Wayne presents a more sympathetic sycophant someone who flatters desperately because they have nothing else.

The Sycophant Archetype in Comedy

Sycophants are comedy gold. Their desperation and obvious manipulation make them perfect targets.

• Smithers from The Simpsons is the classic sycophant to Mr. Burns. His devotion is absurd and hilarious.
• Gilbert from Recess shows the child version of sycophantic behavior.
• Jerry’s various managers in Seinfeld demonstrate sycophantic behavior in the workplace.

Why We Love to Hate Them

Sycophants in fiction serve an important purpose. They let us explore our own complicated relationships with power and flattery.

We laugh at sycophants because we recognize them. We’ve all seen the behavior. And we’re all a little afraid we might become one.

The Sycophant Meaning in Different Languages

Understanding the sycophant meaning in other languages reveals how different cultures view this behavior.

Sycophant in South Asian Languages

Urdu and Hindi: The word chaplus captures the sycophant meaning. It’s used commonly in India, Pakistan, and other South Asian contexts. A chaplus is a flatterer who praises excessively for personal gain.

Tamil: Othigai describes someone who flatters for advantage. Pugazhchiyalan is a more general term for a flatterer.

Telugu: Mosagadu in the context of flattery captures the sycophant meaning. It implies deception through flattering words.

Bengali: Chatukar refers to someone who flatters for personal benefit. The word carries negative connotations similar to the English term.

Western European Languages

French: The word sycophante exists but isn’t commonly used. Flatteur is more common, though it doesn’t capture the full sycophant meaning of servility and self-interest.

German: Schmeichler means flatterer but lacks the sycophant’s desperation for favor. Ja-Sager (yes-sayer) captures the agreement aspect.

Spanish: Adulador and lisonjero both mean flatterer, but sicofante is a direct translation of sycophant.

What These Linguistic Differences Reveal

The fact that different languages have different words for this behavior reveals cultural priorities:

• South Asian languages have specific, widely used words for sycophantic behavior, reflecting the importance of hierarchical relationships
• Some languages borrow the Greek-derived term directly, showing the concept’s universal recognition
• Other languages lack a perfect equivalent, suggesting different cultural relationships with flattery and power

Sycophancy vs. Genuine Compliments

This distinction matters. We don’t want to become cynical about all positive feedback. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Genuine Compliments

Sycophantic Flattery

The Gauge Test

Here’s a simple gauge for something is genuine or sycophantic:

Would the person say this if nobody important were listening?

If yes, it might be genuine. If no, it’s probably sycophantic.

Does the person ever give you critical feedback?

If yes, they might be genuine. If no, they’re probably sycophantic.

Is the praise specific and meaningful?

If yes, it might be genuine. If no, it’s probably sycophantic.

FAQs

1. Is sycophant a negative word?
Yes, absolutely. It’s an insult that criticizes someone for being manipulative and insincere in their flattery.

2. What’s the difference between a sycophant and a people-pleaser?
A people-pleaser genuinely wants others to be happy, but a sycophant strategically flatters powerful people for personal gain.

3. How do you pronounce sycophant?
Say it as SIK-uh-fuhnt or SYE-kuh-fuhnt both are correct in American English.

4. Can sycophants actually be successful?
They often get short-term wins like promotions, but their reputation eventually catches up and their success rarely lasts.

5. What makes someone become a sycophant?
Fear, low self-esteem, and opportunism are the three main drivers behind sycophantic behavior.

6. How can I tell if I’m surrounded by sycophants?
If everyone always agrees with you and no one ever gives honest criticism, you’re likely surrounded by sycophants.

7. What’s the origin of the word sycophant?
It comes from ancient Greek sykophantēs, meaning “one who shows the fig” a vulgar insult that later shifted to mean a servile flatterer.

Conclusion

The sycophant meaning ultimately points to a behavior rooted in fear and self-interest. These aren’t just overly friendly people or harmless flatterers. They’re strategic operators who trade their honesty for access and their integrity for advantage. Recognizing this pattern protects you from manipulation and helps you build relationships based on genuine connection rather than calculated praise.

But here’s the real question one worth sitting with for a moment. Have you ever caught yourself nodding along when you wanted to disagree? Have you ever padded your words to please someone in power? We all have. The line between being agreeable and becoming sycophantic is thinner than we like to admit. Knowing the sycophant meaning isn’t about judging others; it’s about holding a mirror to ourselves and choosing the harder, more honest path.

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Olivia Bennett