This word entered the Philippine lexicon via the English language. It is ultimately from the Cantonese term kau tau.
ków·tow
Kowtow is the act of deep respect shown by prostration, that is, kneeling and bowing so low as to have one’s head touching the ground. In contemporary usage, it is taken to mean “to act in an excessively subservient manner.”
MGA KAHULUGAN SA TAGALOG
kówtow: kaugaliang Chino na lumuluhod at yumuyuko na abot sa lupa ang noo bílang tanda ng pagsukò o pagsamba
kówtow: kilos na tulad ng kaugaliang ito
