lackey

Lackey is a term for a person who performs menial tasks for another, typically a figure of higher status. In historical European households, a lackey was a male servant or footman in livery, responsible for errands, attendance on guests, carrying messages, and other duties assigned by the master of the house.

Etymology: The word comes to English from the French laquais, meaning a servant or footman. The exact ultimate origin is uncertain, but cognates exist in several Romance languages, such as lacayo in Spanish, reflecting a long-standing cross-cultural usage for a subordinate aide.

Historical role: In large households, lackeys formed a tiered staff and might be assigned to specific duties, such as valeting, gatekeeping, or running errands. Over time, the sense broadened to refer to a retainer or subordinate who carries out the commands of a superior, sometimes with limited independence.

Modern usage: Today the term is largely pejorative. It can describe a subordinate who unquestioningly carries out a powerful figure’s directives, especially in politics or business. It also appears in journalism and fiction as a blunt label for a loyal aide or agent of influence. While still used descriptively in some contexts, lackey often carries connotations of servility or uncritical support.

See also: flunkey, minion, retainer, servant.