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Lackey vs Flunky - What's the difference?

lackey | flunky |

Flunky is a synonym of lackey.



As nouns the difference between lackey and flunky

is that lackey is a footman, a liveried male servant while flunky is a sycophant; a servant or hanger-on who is kept for their loyalty or muscle rather than their intellect.

As a verb lackey

is to attend, wait upon, serve obsequiously.

lackey

English

Alternative forms

* (verb only)

Noun

(en noun)
  • A footman, a liveried male servant.
  • A fawning, servile follower; a lickspittle.

    • Derived terms

    * lackey caterpillar * lackey moth

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To attend, wait upon, serve obsequiously
  • * Milton
    • A thousand liveried angels lackey her.
  • (obsolete) To toady, play the flunky

    • References

    * "lackey." Online Etymology Dictionary. 2008

    flunky

    English

    Alternative forms

    * flunkee * flunkey

    Noun

    (flunkies)
  • A sycophant; a servant or hanger-on who is kept for their loyalty or muscle rather than their intellect.