Wiktionary

flunkey

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈflʌŋki/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ʌŋki

Noun

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flunkey (plural flunkeys or flunkies)

  1. (derogatory) An underling; a liveried servant or a footman; servant, retainer – a person working in the service of another (especially in the household).
    • 1929, Baldwyn Dyke Acland, chapter 2, in Filibuster:
      “One marble hall, with staircase complete, one butler and three flunkeys to receive a retired sojer who dares to ring the bell. D'you know, old boy, I gave my bowler to the butler, whangee to one flunkey, gloves to another, and there was the fourth poor blighter looking like an orphan at a Mothers' Meeting. …"
    • 1976 September, Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift, New York, N.Y.: Avon Books, →ISBN, page 304:
      Dignified flunkies in the circular reception hall of the Ritz took my bag and briefcase and I came through the revolving door looking for Renata.
  2. An unpleasant, snobby or cringeworthy person.

Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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References

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