flunky

American  

[fluhng-kee] / ˈflʌŋ ki /

Or flunkey

noun

plural

flunkies

1. a male servant in livery.

2. an assistant who does menial work.

3. a toady; yes-man.

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flunky British  

/ ˈflʌŋkɪ /

noun

1. a servile or fawning person

2. a person who performs menial tasks

3. derogatory a manservant in livery

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Other Word Forms

• flunkyism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of flunky

First recorded in 1775–85; perhaps alteration of flanker

Explanation

A flunky is someone who works obediently for another person. You might apply for a job as a personal assistant, only to realize during the interview that it's really a job as a flunky. A flunky's job is to do whatever he or she is told to do, preferably without question, in a docile, dutiful way. A mob boss or other criminal mastermind might send flunkies out to do his dirty work, while in the old days a typical flunky was a footman or butler — a servant. This meaning comes from the Scottish flunkey, meaning "footman or liveried servant."

Example Sentences

I certainly wouldn't want to be accused of being a Fiver Flunky but West Ham reserves v Manchester United reserves isn't exactly top-flight football.

From The Guardian • Dec. 3, 2010

Flunky is defined in Fergusson's glossary as "a better kind of servant."

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 04, No. 25, November, 1859 by Various

A commission, called “The Flunky Inquisition,” has been appointed by Sir Robert Peel, with Sibthorp at its head, to inquire into the affair.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 1, October 9, 1841 by Various