flunkey

[Audiendus]

flunkey or flunky (noun)

A uniformed manservant, a lackey, a menial worker; a slavishly obedient person. (Often used contemptuously.)

Of Scottish origin; first recorded in the 18th century. Perhaps from "flanker", an attendant at one's side (flank).

"The prince was accompanied by two flunkeys, who stood impassively awaiting his orders."

"Assert yourself; don't let your boss treat you like a flunky."

[Perry Lassiter]

Related to the slang "flunk" meaning to fail, esp a test or course in school? And why flunk OUT?

[Audiendus]

Related to the slang "flunk" meaning to fail, esp a test or course in school? And why flunk OUT?

There doesn't appear to be any connection between "flunkey" and "flunk". It seems the latter is derived from old British slang funk (fear or panic) and/or flinch. My guess is that it was first used to mean "avoid or discontinue a task through fear", "fail a test of character" (hence "flunk out"), and then shifted to mean "fail an academic test".

[Perry Lassiter]

Yet funk now is used synonymously with pout or shut off as with a bit of a depression.