Question of the Day #1313

Big Apple Polisher

From the headline of this article at the New Yorker.

  上記の文で、apple polisherの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "apple polisher" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

【名】
〈古〉ゴマすり、ご機嫌取り、おべっか使い、おべんちゃら屋、おべんちゃらを言う人、追従者、へいこらするやつ、へつらうやつ、太鼓持ち

   

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

A flatterer. (Apples are a typical gift for teachers.)

 

語源

Wiktionaryによると、

かつてアメリカでこびへつらう生徒が先生にりんごを贈ることがあったとの考えから

 

Etymology

According to Wiktionary:

In reference to the idea of an obsequious child bringing apples to the class teacher.

   

Examples

1. The title character of “Luce” is introduced as a star student and first-rate apple polisher. Read more on New York Times
2. Among Beck’s qualities: he’s young, malleable, fleet, accurate, gung ho, and an apple polisher. Read more on Washington Post
3. That kid is always quick to help the teacher with any little thing—what an apple polisher!
4. Your dad was the furthest thing from an apple-polisher when he was in school. He had detention all the time!
5. Quit being such an apple-polisher, it's not going to get you a better grade or anything.

   

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