Flunky: meaning, definitions and examples

👷

Add to dictionary

flunky

[ˈflʌŋki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a derogatory way

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

Synonyms

lackey, stooge, yes-man.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flunky	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
lackey	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
stooge	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
yes-man	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

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 | Noun}

informal

A person who performs relatively menial tasks for someone else.

Synonyms

gofer, minion, underling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
flunky	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
gofer	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
minion	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
underling	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

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the American slang of the 19th century, with ties to 'flunk', meaning to fail.
It was originally used in the military context to refer to someone who was a low-ranking worker.
The term gained a derogatory meaning, suggesting someone who lacks independence or authority.

Pop Culture

Flunky characters often appear in movies and cartoons, commonly portrayed as comical sidekicks to more important figures.
In some famous TV shows, flunky characters help drive the plot, often creating humorous situations.
The term has been used in various song lyrics to emphasize themes of inadequacy or subservience.

Psychology

People who fill flunky roles may struggle with self-esteem, as their worth is often tied to serving others.
Flunkies may face unique social challenges, as they can be perceived as less competent or important.
This role can lead to a sense of identity linked to pleasing others, potentially leading to burnout.

Literature

Literary portrayals of flunkies often reflect themes of loyalty, subservience, and lack of agency.
Famous novels sometimes depict flunkies as vital to advancing the main character's journey, illustrating their indirect impact.
Flunky characters can serve as a satirical commentary on social hierarchies and power dynamics.

Work Culture

In workplaces, flunky positions may refer to interns or junior staff members who complete less glamorous tasks.
Perceptions of flunkies can vary widely; some see value in their roles while others view them as disposable.
The emergence of flatter organizational structures is changing traditional flunky roles, elevating their status and responsibilities.

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 Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,434, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
38431 carjacking
38432 tastiest
38433 pinochle
38434 flunky
38435 beneficently
38436 danseuse
38437 clangour
...