Flunky: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe someone who unquestioningly follows orders or rules, often in a menial position. It often has a negative connotation.

• The CEO's flunky ran errands for him all day
• Being a flunky for that company means you have little autonomy

Implies servile obedience or excessive willingness to serve or please. Generally, used when speaking about someone who is subservient to a person of authority, often with a negative connotation.

• The politician's lackeys followed him everywhere
• The dictator's lackey quickly squashed any dissent

Refers to someone who serves as a subordinate or puppet for another, especially someone who is used for purposes of deception or manipulation. It often carries a negative and somewhat dismissive tone.

• The corrupt official used his stooge to carry out illegal dealings
• The comedian was always using his friend as a stooge for jokes

Describes someone who agrees with everything their superiors say, without critical thought, in an effort to gain favor. This term invariably has a negative connotation.

• He never questions the manager's decisions because he's just a yes-man
• In meetings, being a yes-man won't earn you any respect

Used to describe someone who performs lowly tasks for someone else, often with a sense of disdain or condescension. It suggests the person lacks independence and is subservient.

• He always acts like the boss's flunky, running errands and fetching coffee

Used to describe someone whose job is to perform various small tasks, usually for someone in a higher position. It's often informal and can be neutral or slightly humorous.

• As an intern, I felt like a gofer, always running around doing odd jobs

Used to describe a follower or subordinate who is servile and unimportant. This term can have a negative connotation, implying blind obedience without significant autonomy.

• The evil villain was always surrounded by his loyal minions, ready to do his bidding

Used to describe someone of lower status or rank, typically in a hierarchical organization. It often implies a lack of power and can have a slightly negative tone.

• The CEO didn't seem to care about the opinions of her underlings when making decisions