noun

flunky

FLUNG-kee/ˈflʌŋki/

An assistant or follower who obeys someone without question.

The director's flunky agrees with every order and never asks questions.

A deferential office assistant holds a door open with her back while bowing toward an executive, balancing the executive's files as the executive casually deposits an empty cup on top.

Etymology

The word first meant a footman or liveried servant, usually with contempt already implied. Its extension to a toady or servile subordinate turns literal service into an image of deference to superiors.

In context

Nickelodeon2:03

check out the best part of being prez. I have my own personal flunky. Hey Flunky! Get on in there.

The Thundermans 5 Minute Episode ft. Jace Norman! | "You Stole My Thunder, Man"

More examples

I want an assistant who thinks independently, not a flunky.
The mayor surrounds himself with flunkies who never challenge his decisions.
She refuses to be anyone's flunky, even if it costs her a promotion.

Forms

flunky · flunkies

Similar words

lackey: Also stresses servile obedience, often to a powerful person.
toady: Emphasizes flattering someone powerful rather than simply obeying orders.