What does “Brownie points” mean?
"Brownie points" means earning extra credit or recognition for doing something good.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I earned some brownie points with my boss by staying late to finish the project.
Example
My mom gave me brownie points for cleaning my room without being asked.
Example
My teacher gave me brownie points for answering a difficult question correctly
Is “Brownie points” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Brownie points” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Brownie points” effectively in context?
You can use "Brownie Points" to describe extra credit or recognition for doing something good. It implies that you are earning favor or gaining an advantage by going above and beyond what is expected. For example, if a coworker helps you with a project, you might say, 'Thanks for your help. You've definitely earned some brownie points with me.'
- 1Work
I earned some brownie points with my boss by staying late to finish the project.
- 2Family
My mom gave me brownie points for cleaning my room without being asked.
- 3School
My teacher gave me brownie points for answering a difficult question correctly.
Similar phrases to “Brownie points”:
Kudos
Praise or recognition for a job well done
Example
She received kudos from her manager for exceeding sales targets.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Brownie points” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Brownie Points" is unknown.
Is “Brownie points” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Brownie Points" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to acknowledge and appreciate someone's efforts or to describe a situation where they are trying to gain favor or recognition.
What tone does “Brownie points” have?
"Brownie Points" conveys a tone of appreciation and recognition. It's often used in a positive context to acknowledge someone's good deeds or efforts.
Can “Brownie points” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Brownie Points" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of earning favor or recognition. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She earned some brownie points with her boss by going the extra mile.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'll give you some "brownie points"!' to imply recognition or appreciation.
