How Do You Spell FLUNKEY?

Pronunciation: [flˈʌŋkɪ] (IPA)

The word "flunkey" is spelled with an "l" in the middle, even though it may be commonly mistaken for "flunky." The pronunciation is /ˈflʌŋki/. The spelling of "flunkey" is derived from the Dutch word "voorknoper," which means "button fastener." Originally, flunkeys were servants whose job was to fasten buttons for their masters. Over time, the term evolved to refer to any menial or servile person, or someone who blindly follows orders without questioning them.

FLUNKEY Meaning and Definition

1. Flunkey is a noun that refers to an obsequious or servile person who typically acts as a subordinate or follower to a more powerful individual. The term often carries a negative connotation, describing someone who is excessively eager to please or willing to do anything for favor or recognition from someone in authority.

   A flunkey is commonly associated with individuals who unquestioningly carry out orders or perform menial tasks, often with little or no personal gain. They are often seen as lacking independence or autonomy, blindly adhering to the wishes and demands of their superiors without critical thinking or personal judgment. The term can be applied to a wide range of contexts, from political figures surrounded by sycophantic advisors to workplaces where employees compete to be the boss's favorite.

   Etymologically, flunkey originated in the early 19th century, derived from the French word "flanchet" or "flanquet," which denoted a servant's livery. It later evolved into "flunkey" in English and assumed its current colloquial meaning by the mid-1800s. Synonyms for flunkey include lackey, toady, minion, and yes-man.

   In summary, a flunkey is a subservient and compliant individual who readily submits to the desires and whims of someone in power, often with the aim of seeking favor or gaining influence.

Common Misspellings for FLUNKEY

• dlunkey
• clunkey
• vlunkey
• glunkey
• tlunkey
• rlunkey
• fkunkey
• fpunkey
• founkey
• flynkey
• flhnkey
• fljnkey
• flinkey
• fl8nkey
• fl7nkey
• flubkey
• flunjey
• flunmey
• flunley

Etymology of FLUNKEY

The word "flunkey" originated in the early 19th century and has its roots in the English language. It is derived from the French word "flanquer" meaning "to flank". Flanquer, in turn, comes from Old French "flanc" meaning "side". The term "flunkey" initially referred to a footman or a servant who stood at the side of a carriage or a notable person. Over time, it started being used to describe a subservient or obsequious person.

Similar spelling words for FLUNKEY

• FLNC,
• flank,
• flinck,
• flounce,
• flunky,
• Flenniken,
• Flung,
• FLINK,
• flunk,
• fling,
• flanker,
• flange,
• fluke.

Plural form of FLUNKEY is FLUNKEYS