lackey — a person who behaves obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile follower
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a person who behaves obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile follower
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈlæki/
Example Sentences
- Don't be the teacher's lackey just to get better grades!
- The corrupt politician surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions.
- She refused to be anyone's lackey and started her own business instead.
lackey
NOUN[/ˈlæki/]
a person who behaves obsequiously in order to gain advantage; a servile follower
Servile follower desperately pleasing the boss
The lackey looks tacky and acts wacky!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Lackey derives from French laquais, originally denoting a footman or male servant. The term entered English in the sixteenth century and gradually acquired pejorative connotations, evolving to mean an obsequious or servile follower.
Breakdown
French laquais (footman, servant) - the English word adopted the French term directly, with semantic shift from literal servant to figurative meaning of a sycophantic or subservient person.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Don't be the teacher's lackey just to get better grades!”
“The corrupt politician surrounded himself with lackeys who never questioned his decisions.”
“She refused to be anyone's lackey and started her own business instead.”
“His lackeys brought him coffee, answered his emails, and even tied his shoelaces!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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