When it comes to finding role models or individuals to admire, it’s essential to have the right slang to express that sentiment. Looking up to someone can be a powerful feeling, and our team has curated a list of trendy slang terms that capture this concept perfectly. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or simply want to expand your vocabulary, this list is sure to have you nodding in agreement and ready to incorporate these phrases into your daily conversations. Get ready to discover the coolest ways to express admiration and respect for those you look up to!
Click above to generate some slangs
1. Idolize
To idolize someone means to admire them greatly and often place them on a pedestal. It implies a deep level of respect and adoration for the person.
- For example, a fan might say, “I absolutely idolize Beyonce. She’s my role model.”
- A teenager might say, “I idolize LeBron James. He’s my favorite basketball player and I want to be just like him.”
- A friend might say, “I’ve always idolized my older sister. She’s accomplished so much and I look up to her.”
2. Hero-worship
Hero-worship refers to an extreme form of admiration for someone, often to the point of idolization. It implies a deep and unwavering devotion to the person, treating them as a hero or idol.
- For instance, a fan might say, “I have a bit of hero-worship for Elon Musk. He’s such an innovative and inspiring figure.”
- A student might say, “I hero-worship my history teacher. They’re so knowledgeable and make learning fun.”
- A person might confess, “I have a tendency to hero-worship celebrities, but I’m working on being more grounded in reality.”
3. Look up to
To look up to someone means to have a great deal of respect and admiration for them. It implies seeing them as a role model and seeking their guidance or inspiration.
- For example, a child might say, “I look up to my parents. They work hard and always make the right choices.”
- A student might say, “I look up to my older sibling. They’re so smart and successful.”
- A friend might say, “I really look up to my boss. They’re a great leader and always handle tough situations with grace.”
4. Put on a pedestal
To put someone on a pedestal means to elevate them to a position of extreme admiration or idealization. It implies seeing the person as perfect or flawless, often overlooking their flaws or shortcomings.
- For instance, a romantic partner might say, “I used to put my ex on a pedestal, but then I realized they had their own flaws.”
- A friend might say, “It’s important not to put celebrities on a pedestal. They’re human too and make mistakes.”
- A person might reflect, “I used to put my parents on a pedestal, but as I got older, I realized they’re not perfect.”
5. Worship the ground someone walks on
To worship the ground someone walks on is an exaggerated expression of extreme devotion and admiration for someone. It implies treating the person with utmost reverence and adoration.
- For example, a fan might say, “I would worship the ground Taylor Swift walks on. She’s my favorite artist and I adore everything about her.”
- A friend might say, “She’s so infatuated with her new boyfriend. She practically worships the ground he walks on.”
- A person might confess, “I used to worship the ground my boss walked on, but then I realized they were taking advantage of my loyalty.”
6. Hold in high esteem
When you hold someone in high esteem, you have a deep admiration and respect for them. It implies that you think very highly of their qualities or achievements.
- For example, “I hold my parents in high esteem for all the sacrifices they made for our family.”
- A person might say, “I hold Albert Einstein in high esteem for his contributions to science.”
- When discussing a role model, someone might say, “I hold Oprah Winfrey in high esteem for her philanthropy and success in the media industry.”
7. Adore
When you adore someone, you have a deep love and admiration for them. It suggests that you find them incredibly special or endearing.
- For instance, “I absolutely adore my little sister; she’s the light of my life.”
- Someone might say, “I adore Beyoncé; she’s such a talented and empowering artist.”
- When talking about a celebrity crush, a person might say, “I adore Chris Hemsworth; he’s so handsome and talented.”
8. Look up
When you look up to someone, you have a great deal of admiration and respect for them. It implies that you see them as a role model or someone to aspire to be like.
- For example, “I look up to my older sister because she’s accomplished so much in her career.”
- A person might say, “I look up to Nelson Mandela for his leadership and fight for equality.”
- When discussing a mentor, someone might say, “I look up to my professor because they’re incredibly knowledgeable and inspiring.”
9. Put someone on a pedestal
When you put someone on a pedestal, you view them as perfect or flawless and hold them in very high regard. It suggests that you see them as superior or above everyone else.
- For instance, “She’s always putting her boyfriend on a pedestal, thinking he can do no wrong.”
- Someone might say, “It’s not healthy to put celebrities on a pedestal; they’re just regular people.”
- When discussing a public figure, a person might say, “Some people put politicians on a pedestal, expecting them to solve all our problems.”
10. Respect
When you respect someone, you hold them in high esteem and have a deep admiration for their qualities or achievements. It implies that you value their opinions and treat them with courtesy.
- For example, “I have a lot of respect for my boss because they’re fair and supportive.”
- A person might say, “I respect Malala Yousafzai for her bravery and advocacy for girls’ education.”
- When discussing a teacher, someone might say, “I have a lot of respect for my professor because they’re incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to their students.”
11. Look to
When you “look to” someone, you are turning to them for advice, support, or inspiration.
- For example, a student might say, “I always look to my older sister for help with my homework.”
- In a professional setting, a colleague might say, “I look to my manager for guidance on career development.”
- A person going through a difficult time might say, “I look to my friends for emotional support.”
12. Hold in awe
When you “hold someone in awe,” you have a deep admiration and respect for them.
- For instance, a fan might say, “I hold Beyoncé in awe for her incredible talent and success.”
- When discussing a historical figure, someone might say, “I hold Albert Einstein in awe for his groundbreaking contributions to science.”
- A person might express, “I hold my parents in awe for their resilience and strength.”
13. Reverence
To have “reverence” for someone means to hold them in high esteem and treat them with great respect.
- For example, a religious person might have “reverence” for a spiritual leader or deity.
- When discussing a cultural icon, someone might say, “Many people have reverence for Michael Jackson as the King of Pop.”
- A person might express, “I have reverence for my grandparents for all they have done for our family.”
14. Look up to as a role model
When you “look up to someone as a role model,” you admire them and aspire to be like them in certain aspects.
- For instance, a young athlete might say, “I look up to Serena Williams as a role model for her dedication and success in tennis.”
- When discussing a public figure, someone might say, “Many people look up to Michelle Obama as a role model for her intelligence and grace.”
- A person might express, “I look up to my older brother as a role model for his work ethic and kindness.”
15. Glorify
To “glorify” someone is to elevate them to a higher status and speak highly of them in an exaggerated manner.
- For example, a fan might say, “I glorify Justin Bieber as the greatest musician of our generation.”
- When discussing a historical figure, someone might say, “Some people glorify Christopher Columbus despite the negative impact of his actions.”
- A person might caution, “We should be careful not to glorify celebrities without considering their actions and values.”
16. Look up to as a mentor
To admire and respect someone as a mentor, someone who guides and provides support and advice in a particular field or area of expertise.
- For example, “I really look up to my boss as a mentor. She has taught me so much in my career.”
- In a discussion about personal growth, someone might say, “Finding a mentor can be invaluable in helping you reach your goals.”
- A student might express, “I look up to my professor as a mentor. They have been instrumental in shaping my academic path.”
17. Look up to as a leader
To admire and respect someone as a leader, someone who possesses qualities such as confidence, charisma, and the ability to inspire and guide others.
- For instance, “I look up to my older brother as a leader. He always knows how to take charge and make things happen.”
- In a conversation about influential figures, one might say, “Nelson Mandela is someone I truly look up to as a leader.”
- A team member might express, “Our manager is a great leader. I really look up to them and strive to emulate their leadership style.”
18. Look up to as an inspiration
To admire and respect someone as an inspiration, someone who serves as a source of motivation and creativity.
- For example, “I look up to Oprah Winfrey as an inspiration. She has achieved so much and continues to make a positive impact.”
- In a discussion about role models, someone might say, “Athletes like Serena Williams can be incredibly inspiring for young people.”
- A creative individual might express, “I look up to artists like Frida Kahlo. Their work inspires me to push the boundaries of my own art.”
19. Hold in high regard
To have a great amount of respect and admiration for someone.
- For instance, “I hold my parents in high regard. They have always been there for me and provided guidance.”
- In a conversation about influential figures, one might say, “Scientists like Marie Curie are held in high regard for their groundbreaking discoveries.”
- A colleague might express, “I hold my manager in high regard. They are always fair and supportive.”
20. Look up to as a guide
To admire and respect someone as a guide, someone who provides direction and assistance in navigating life’s challenges and decisions.
- For example, “I look up to my older sister as a guide. She always knows the right advice to give.”
- In a discussion about mentors, one might say, “Teachers can often serve as important guides in a student’s life.”
- A friend might express, “I really look up to you as a guide. Your wisdom and perspective always help me make better choices.”