Systems and methods for provided for linearization systems and methods for variable attenuators. The variable attenuators can include series transistors along a main signal path from the input to output, as well as shunt transistors. A bootstrapping body bias circuit can be used with one or of the series transistors to allow the body of a connected transistor to swing responsive to a received RF input signal. As the RF signal increases and affects the gate-to-source voltage difference of a transistor, a bootstrapping body bias circuit can adaptively adjust the threshold voltage of the connected transistor and compensate the channel resistance variation resulting from gate-to-source voltage swing. The bootstrapping body bias circuit can be implemented using passive elements, active elements, or a combination thereof.