Lackey: meaning, definitions and examples
👨🦲
lackey
[ ˈlaki ]
servant
A person who is employed to perform domestic duties, serve guests, or accompany someone in a subservient capacity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
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.'
|
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.
|
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.
|
Examples of usage
- He was treated as a lackey rather than a respected employee.
- The lackey quickly fetched the guests' coats.
derogatory
A person who is excessively obedient or servile.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
|
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.
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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.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- He is nothing but a lackey to the wealthy elite.
- She refuses to be a lackey to anyone.
Translations
Translations of the word "lackey" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lacaios
- criado
- empregado
🇮🇳 चाकर
- दास
- नोकर
🇩🇪 Lakai
- Handlanger
- Diener
🇮🇩 pengikut
- abdi
- pelayan
🇺🇦 підручний
- лакей
- слуга
🇵🇱 pachołek
- sługa
- lokaj
🇯🇵 従者
- 召使い
- 屋敷の者
🇫🇷 laquais
- valet
- serviteur
🇪🇸 lacayo
- criado
- sirviente
🇹🇷 aşçı
- yardımcı
- kul
🇰🇷 하인
- 종
- 부하
🇸🇦 خادم
- تابع
- خادم شخصي
🇨🇿 pachołek
- sluha
- podřízený
🇸🇰 sluh
- sluha
- podriadený
🇨🇳 仆人
- 追随者
- 侍从
🇸🇮 sluga
- lakaj
- pomočnik
🇮🇸 þjónn
- þjónustumaður
- fylgdarlið
🇰🇿 қызметші
- күші
- жалшы
🇬🇪 მსახურება
- მონა
- მსახური
🇦🇿 xidmətçi
- köməkçi
- qulluqçu
🇲🇽 lacayo
- criado
- sirviente
Etymology
The word 'lackey' originated from the French word 'laquais', which referred to a footman or servant. It entered the English language in the early 16th century. Over time, 'lackey' has come to signify a person who serves or obeys another in a subservient or demeaning manner, often with a negative connotation.
See also: lack, lacking, lackluster, lacks.
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.
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