Glad-hander meaning

A glad-hander is someone who is excessively friendly in order to gain approval or favor.


Glad-hander definitions

Word backwards rednah-dalg
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division glad-hand-er
Plural glad-handers
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (6) g,l,d,h,n,r

When we hear the term "glad-hander," we might imagine someone who is overly enthusiastic, perhaps even insincerely so. This term is often used to describe a person who greets others in a overly friendly or effusive manner, usually for self-serving motives.

Origin of Glad-hander

The term "glad-hander" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly deriving from the idea of someone shaking hands vigorously or eagerly with others. It is often used in a somewhat derogatory manner, implying that the person's friendliness may not be entirely genuine.

Characteristics of a Glad-hander

A glad-hander is typically someone who is overly eager to please, often going out of their way to make a good impression on others. They may use excessive charm and flattery to win people over, with the underlying intention of gaining favor or advancing their own agenda.

Perception of Glad-handers

While some people may view glad-handers as affable and charismatic individuals, others may see them as insincere and manipulative. Their excessive friendliness can come across as insincere or self-serving, leading others to question their true motives.

In professional settings, glad-handers may be perceived as lacking authenticity or transparency, which can hinder trust and credibility. They may be seen as more focused on social niceties and superficial connections rather than genuine relationships or meaningful interactions.

It is important to be mindful of the perception you create when interacting with others. Genuine kindness and sincerity are valued traits that can help build trust and rapport in personal and professional relationships. While being friendly and approachable is important, it is essential to ensure that your actions are authentic and genuine, rather than just being a superficial glad-hander.


Glad-hander Examples

  1. The politician was known as a glad-hander, always shaking hands and smiling at events.
  2. The car salesman was a natural glad-hander, easily charming customers into buying a vehicle.
  3. As a glad-hander, she excelled in networking and making connections at social gatherings.
  4. The CEO was criticized for being more of a glad-hander than a genuine leader in the company.
  5. The glad-hander greeted everyone at the party with enthusiasm and warmth.
  6. Despite his role as a glad-hander, some people found his constant need to please others exhausting.
  7. In his new position, he was required to be more of a glad-hander, attending conferences and meeting clients regularly.
  8. His reputation as a glad-hander made him well-liked in social circles but less respected in professional settings.
  9. She was promoted to a client-facing role because of her natural ability as a glad-hander.
  10. The manager was seen as a glad-hander, always eager to socialize with employees but hesitant to address real concerns.


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  • Updated 12/04/2024 - 15:51:34