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."
flunkey
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
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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".Related to the slang "flunk" meaning to fail, esp a test or course in school? And why flunk OUT?
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- Great Grand Panjandrum
- Posts: 3333
- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 12:41 pm
- Location: RUSTON, LA
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