[German version]

(συκοφάντης/sykophántēs, 'sycophant'). The term first appears in Old Comedy (Aristoph. fr. 228, 427 BC). The origin of the word is unknown, with ancient conjectures on the etymology (sykophantes as a man who 'reveals figs') being unconvincing. In Comedy, sykophantai are linked with threats, demands for money and extortion; their acting as prosecutors in court is also characteristic (Aristoph. Av. 1410-1469; Aristoph. Plut. 850-959). This perception of sykophantai is echoed in numerous mentions in the orators; for instance, Lysias [1] alleges that sykophantai a…