Fawned upon is spelled with the combination of two words; fawned and upon. The pronunciation of fawned upon is /fɔːnd əˈpɒn/. The word fawned means showing exaggerated flattery or admiration towards someone, while upon means on or on top of. So, fawned upon means showing exaggerated admiration or flattery towards someone or something. It is essential to understand the meaning of each word to use the phrase correctly in a sentence.
"Fawned upon" is a phrase used to describe the act of seeking excessive approval, admiration, or approval from someone, often to the point of being perceived as insincere or obsequious. This term typically carries a negative connotation and implies a lack of genuineness or integrity in the actions of the individual.
To "fawn upon" someone means to excessively flatter or adore them in order to gain favor or attention. This behavior is often seen as manipulative or sycophantic, as the person engaging in it may be perceived as being insincere or ingratiating themselves to the other person for personal gain.
The term "fawned upon" can also imply a sense of dependency or subordination, where the individual feels the need to constantly seek approval or praise from others for their self-esteem and validation. This constant need for validation may stem from low self-confidence and an inherent desire to be accepted and admired by others.
However, it is important to note that the phrase "fawned upon" does not necessarily imply malintent or conscious manipulation. It can also stem from a genuine desire to please others or a fear of rejection, although it often carries a negative connotation due to the potential insincerity associated with the behavior.
The term "fawned upon" is derived from the verb "fawn". The etymology of "fawn" can be traced back to the Old English word "fægnian", which means "to rejoice" or "to be glad". It has also been influenced by the Old Norse word "fagna" with a similar meaning. Over time, the meaning of "fawn" has evolved to refer to an act of showing exaggerated affection, admiration, or flattery. Therefore, "fawned upon" implies being excessively praised, admired, or sought after.