Flunky: meaning, definitions and examples

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flunky

[ ˈflʌŋki ]

^{Context #1}

in a derogatory way

A person who is obsequious or servile towards someone important in order to gain advantage.

Synonyms

lackey, stooge, yes-man

Examples of usage

He was nothing but a flunky, always seeking to please his boss.
The flunky was constantly praised for his loyalty, but secretly resented by his colleagues.

^{Context #2}

informal

A person who performs relatively menial tasks for someone else.

Synonyms

gofer, minion, underling

Examples of usage

The intern was treated like a flunky, always running errands and doing grunt work.
She started as a flunky but worked her way up to a managerial position.

Translations

Translations of the word "flunky" in other languages:

🇵🇹 capacho

🇮🇳 चापलूस (chaploose)

🇩🇪 Laufbursche

🇮🇩 anak buah

🇺🇦 підлабузник

🇵🇱 pachołek

🇯🇵 使い走り (tsukai bashi)

🇫🇷 larbin

🇪🇸 lacayo

🇹🇷 uşak

🇰🇷 심부름꾼 (simbureumkkun)

🇸🇦 تابع (tabiʿ)

🇨🇿 poskok

🇸🇰 poskok

🇨🇳 跑腿 (pǎotuǐ)

🇸🇮 prisklednik

🇮🇸 sendisveinn

🇰🇿 қызметші

🇬🇪 მორჩილი (morčili)

🇦🇿 xidmətçi

🇲🇽 lacayo

Word origin

The word 'flunky' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the German 'flunkie,' which means servant or footman. It was initially used to describe a liveried footman or servant, but over time, its meaning evolved to refer to a person who performs tasks for someone else, often in a derogatory or subservient manner.