Flunkeyism (/ˈflʌŋkiɪz(ə)m/) is a word that describes the unthinking, servile behavior of a sycophant or a lickspittle. Its spelling can be attributed to the word "flunkey," which refers to a servile attendant or someone who pays excessive attention to powerful individuals. The suffix "ism" denotes the practice or principle of something, and when combined with "flunkey," it describes the practice or principle of flunkeyism. Despite being uncommon, this word accurately describes a subservient mentality that is still present in some circles.
Flunkeyism is a noun that refers to the act or behavior of being a flunkey or flunky. A flunkey, also known as a lackey, is a servile or subservient person who excessively panders to those in authority or seeks to gain their favor through obsequiousness and sycophancy.
Flunkeyism often involves an exaggerated display of deference, submission, or obedience towards superiors with the intention of ingratiating oneself or seeking personal gain. It can manifest in various ways, such as fawning, excessive praise, unquestioning loyalty, and an eagerness to carry out orders or fulfill demands without question. Flunkeyism is typically characterized by a lack of independence, and a tendency to prioritize the desires and whims of those in power over personal values or principles.
The term "flunkeyism" can also be used in a broader sense to describe a culture or system where subservience and blind obedience to authority are prevalent. It highlights a lack of individual thinking, integrity, and autonomy, often resulting in the suppression of independent thought and the perpetuation of hierarchical power structures.
Overall, flunkeyism is a negative term that conveys the idea of unhesitatingly and unconditionally following the orders and desires of superiors, often to the detriment of personal dignity, integrity, or moral values.
The word "flunkeyism" is derived from the word "flunkey", which originated in the mid-19th century. "Flunkey" referred to a liveried servant or footman, typically in wealthy households or in service to members of the upper class.
The term "flunkey" itself is believed to have come from the French word "flonquet", which referred to someone in a similar subservient role. The French word likely evolved from the Dutch word "vloencken", meaning a lackey or footman.
Over time, the term "flunkeyism" emerged to describe the act of blindly following or obsequiously serving someone, often with the connotation of subservience or a lack of independence. It is used to criticize those who unthinkingly follow someone else's orders or ideas without questioning or thinking for themselves.