French translation of lackey is 
laquais

Meaning of "lackey" in English

"Lackey" refers to a servant, particularly one who exhibits servile or obsequious behavior towards someone in power. Historically, it described a footman or a low-level servant who performed menial tasks. In modern usage, the term often carries a negative connotation, implying someone who acts subserviently or ingratiatingly to gain favor. It's used metaphorically to criticize individuals seen as overly compliant or lacking independence.

Meaning of "laquais" in French

In French, "laquais" traditionally denotes a footman or a servant dressed in distinctive livery, performing duties such as opening doors or serving meals. Much like its English counterpart, "laquais" can also imply obsequiousness, highlighting a person's eagerness to serve or please others. It's often used in a pejorative sense to describe someone who flatters or adopts a subservient role to curry favor or advantages from those in power.

Pronunciation of "lackey" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈlæki/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "lackey" is relatively consistent across different English-speaking regions. However, the emphasis may slightly vary, with some accentuating the first syllable more heavily than others. Generally, it maintains a straightforward pronunciation, with little regional fluctuation.

Pronunciation of "laquais" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /la.kɛ/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "laquais" maintains uniformity in French-speaking areas. Regional accents might subtly influence vowel sounds, but the standard pronunciation adheres closely to the phonetic transcription. The stress remains on the first syllable in standard French.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The politician surrounded himself with lackeys eager to please him. (Le politicien s'entourait de laquais désireux de lui plaire.)
2. He felt more like a lackey than a respected employee. (Il se sentait plus comme un laquais qu'un employé respecté.)
3. The young lackey hurried to fulfill his master's orders. (Le jeune laquais se dépêchait de remplir les ordres de son maître.)
4. Critical voices were silenced by the king's lackeys. (Les voix critiques étaient réduites au silence par les laquais du roi.)
5. She resented being treated like a mere lackey. (Elle en voulait d'être traitée comme une simple laquais.)
6. Their business model depended on a series of lackeys doing the low-level tasks. (Leur modèle économique dépendait d'une série de laquais accomplissant les tâches subalternes.)
7. His reputation suffered from being perceived as the manager's lackey. (Sa réputation a souffert d'être perçu comme le laquais du gestionnaire.)
8. The lackey polished the shoes until they shone brightly. (Le laquais a ciré les chaussures jusqu'à ce qu'elles brillent.)
9. A lackey's life was often one of hard work and little reward. (La vie d'un laquais était souvent de travail acharné et de peu de récompense.)
10. The powerful mogul employed several lackeys to do his bidding. (Le magnat puissant employait plusieurs laquais pour exécuter ses ordres.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "lackey" in English

Synonyms: servant, minion, follower, underling, sycophant, henchman, flunky, attendant, subordinate, aide.

Antonyms: leader, master, boss, superior, chief, commander, ruler, authority, supervisor, director.

Similar Words: assistant, attendant, valet, page, aide, helper, retainer, steward.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "laquais" in French

Synonyms: valet, domestique, serviteur, subalterne, sbire, acolyte, courtisan, assistant, aide, servile.

Antonyms: maître, chef, patron, directeur, commandant, leader, supérieur, guide, autorité, cadre.

Similar Words: domestique, serviteur, boy, page, subordonné, employé, aide.

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