What is a "Lackey"and can a woman be referred to as a Lackey?

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What is a "Lackey"and can a woman be referred to as a Lackey?

Question #141663. Asked by endoverend.
Last updated Oct 10 2015.
Originally posted Oct 10 2015 10:28 AM.

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13LuckyLady

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13LuckyLady

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Answer has 5 votes.

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A lackey is someone who does menial tasks. These tasks can include running errands, getting coffee, etc. They are often considered to be weaker than those who employ them.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lackey

Men or women may be considered as a lackey. It is a term for a worker, not a gender.

Oct 10 2015, 12:25 PM

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Answer 1

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=lackey

Lackey is from the 1520s, "footman, running footman, valet," from Middle French laquais "foot soldier, footman, servant" (15c.), of unknown origin; perhaps from Old Provençal lacai, from lecai "glutton, covetous," from lecar "to lick."

Answer 2

The term is usually highly derogatory:

"Lackey is typically used as a derogatory term for a servant with little or no self-respect who belittles himself in order to gain an advantage".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lackey_%28manservant%29

Note that Wikipedia defines the term as male. It was widely used in Communist propaganda, for example "imperalist lacky" was a much used term of abuse.

What is a "Lackey"and can a woman be referred to as a Lackey?

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