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Lackey: meaning, definitions and examples

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lackey

 

[ˈlaki ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

servant

A person who is employed to perform domestic duties, serve guests, or accompany someone in a subservient capacity.

Synonyms

attendant, minion, servant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lackey

Typically used in a derogatory manner to describe someone who behaves in a subservient manner towards someone in power, often without questioning their actions.

  • The politician's lackey did all the dirty work.
  • He was nothing more than a lackey to the wealthy businessman.
servant

Used in a neutral or historical context to describe someone who is employed to perform domestic duties. It can sometimes imply lower social status but is not as derogatory as 'lackey' or 'minion.'

  • The royal family has many servants in the palace.
  • They treated their servants with respect and fairness.
attendant

Used in a neutral or formal context to refer to someone whose job is to provide services or assistance, typically in a professional or temporary setting.

  • The hotel attendant helped us with our luggage.
  • Restaurant attendants are always busy during peak hours.
minion

Often used in a negative or humorous sense to describe someone who unquestioningly serves another, especially in a group, and usually implies that the person has little power.

  • The villain’s minions carried out her every command.
  • He surrounded himself with slavish minions.

Examples of usage

  • He was treated as a lackey rather than a respected employee.
  • The lackey quickly fetched the guests' coats.
Context #2 | Noun

derogatory

A person who is excessively obedient or servile.

Synonyms

flunky, stooge, sycophant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lackey

Used to describe someone who does menial tasks or runs errands for someone else, often in a lowly or subservient manner. It has a negative connotation, implying a lack of self-respect or dignity.

  • The powerful businessman was surrounded by lackeys willing to do anything he asked.
  • He acted like a lackey, running around fetching coffee for his boss all day.
flunky

Refers to a person who performs trivial or low-level tasks for someone in authority. It typically conveys disrespect, suggesting the person is unimportant and lacks authority.

  • The celebrity was always seen with a group of flunkies handling her every need.
  • He's nothing more than a flunky, doing odd jobs for the company executives.
stooge

Used to describe a person who allows themselves to be used by someone else, often to create a façade or to help someone else achieve their goals. It has a negative connotation, indicating foolishness or a lack of integrity.

  • The corrupt politician used his stooges to manipulate public opinion.
  • She felt like a stooge, blindly following her boss's dubious plans.
sycophant

A person who acts obsequiously towards someone important in order to gain advantage. This term carries a strong negative connotation, implying insincerity and a willingness to grovel for personal gain.

  • The office was full of sycophants, constantly praising the manager in hopes of a promotion.
  • He's a total sycophant, always flattering those in power to get ahead.

Examples of usage

  • He is nothing but a lackey to the wealthy elite.
  • She refuses to be a lackey to anyone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'lackey' comes from the French word 'laquais,' which referred to a footman or servant in the 15th century.
  • Historically, the word was used to describe someone who was not just a servant but carried out tasks for their master, often demeaning or subservient in nature.
  • 'Lackey' evolved to have negative connotations, suggesting obsequiousness or dependence.

Literature

  • In classic literature, lackeys often serve as comic relief or as a reflection of the social hierarchy, emphasizing the status of their masters.
  • Shakespeare used characters resembling lackeys to provide insight into their masters’ personalities and circumstances.
  • Modern novels might portray lackeys in a more sympathetic light, showcasing their desires for autonomy and respect.

Pop Culture

  • In various media, lackeys are often depicted as loyal and sometimes bumbling sidekicks to villains, adding humor to otherwise serious plots.
  • Popular movies might use the archetype of a lackey to highlight the disparity of power and influence between characters.
  • Some video games incorporate lackeys as minions, allowing players to explore themes of loyalty and betrayal in a humorous way.

Psychology

  • The dynamic between a lackey and their superior can illustrate power imbalances, often leading to discussions about autonomy and agency.
  • Psychological studies show that individuals in subordinate roles may experience lower self-esteem and increased stress due to their dependence on others.
  • Understanding lackey relationships can help analyze human behavior, particularly in workplace dynamics and peer interactions.

History

  • Historical records often show that lackeys were crucial in the service of nobility, providing essential support in daily tasks and social engagements.
  • During times of social change, lackeys sometimes rebelled against their roles, seeking better treatment and more independence.
  • The image of a lackey has shifted over the centuries, with some becoming influential figures through connection, despite their initial subservient roles.

Translations

Translations of the word "lackey" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lacaios

🇮🇳 चाकर

🇩🇪 Lakai

🇮🇩 pengikut

🇺🇦 підручний

🇵🇱 pachołek

🇯🇵 従者

🇫🇷 laquais

🇪🇸 lacayo

🇹🇷 aşçı

🇰🇷 하인

🇸🇦 خادم

🇨🇿 pachołek

🇸🇰 sluh

🇨🇳 仆人

🇸🇮 sluga

🇮🇸 þjónn

🇰🇿 қызметші

🇬🇪 მსახურება

🇦🇿 xidmətçi

🇲🇽 lacayo

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,528, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.