brownie points
Meaning(s)
1. credit received for a good deed or an attempt to please
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
get/score/earn/win brownie points
Analysis
'Brownie points' are an imaginary social currency which are considered credits for a good deed. This is a noun used in informal contexts to talk about gaining favour with someone by pleasing them in some way.
Social Examples (Basic)
- If you're looking to score yourself some brownie points with your wife, you should surprise her with a nice candlelit dinner tonight.
- When I told Catherine that I thought the drawing was terrible, I had no idea she was the person who drew it. I've definitely lost some brownie points with her after that!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Chris isn't putting in all those extra hours because he's a dedicated worker, he's doing it to earn himself some brownie points with the boss so he can climb the ladder.
- Anyone who can volunteer to work on Saturday is going to gain serious brownie points.