What is kowtowing?

Kowtowing is a traditional Chinese custom of showing respect or submission towards a superior or authority by kneeling and touching one's forehead to the ground. The act of kowtowing is traditionally performed by Chinese officials or subjects in front of the emperor or other high-ranking officials. The word "kowtow" (which means "to knock the head") is derived from the Chinese term "koutou" (which means "knocking the head"). In modern times, kowtowing is not commonly practiced in China, and is seen as outdated and archaic. However, the term "kowtowing" is still used today to describe excessively submissive behavior or extreme respect towards a person or institution.