French translation of
lackeys
is
laquais
Tap once to copy the translated word
Meaning of "lackeys" in English
"Lackeys" refers to individuals who serve others in a subordinate or servile manner, often with little regard for their own agency or independence. Historically, a lackey was a footman or manservant, typically attending to minor or menial tasks. In a broader modern sense, the term is used pejoratively to describe someone overly eager to please or deferential to authority figures, sometimes likened to a sycophant. It conveys a sense of subservience and a lack of personal initiative, often used in contexts criticizing blind or unquestioning obedience.
Meaning of "laquais" in French
In French, "laquais" carries a similar connotation to its English counterpart, denoting a person employed to perform lowly tasks, typically as a footman or a servant in a household. The term can also be used more figuratively to describe someone who behaves servilely, showing excessive deference to someone in authority. Like the English term, "laquais" often bears a negative implication, suggesting a lack of autonomy and subservient behavior, used critically in discussions about power dynamics and social hierarchies.
Pronunciation of "lackeys" in English
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈlækiːz/.
Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "lackeys" varies slightly across English-speaking regions. In American English, it may have a more pronounced "k" sound compared to British English. Generally, the stress is on the first syllable, and it is consistent across most English dialects.
Pronunciation of "laquais" in French
Phonetic Transcription: /la.kɛ/.
Pronunciation Variations: In standard French, "laquais" is pronounced with an open "a" and a silent "s" at the end. In some regional accents or dialects, the quality of the vowel sounds may vary slightly, but the pronunciation is relatively consistent across French-speaking areas.
Sentence examples in English and translation to French
- The king’s lackeys hurried to fulfill his every whim. (Les laquais du roi se dépêchaient d'exaucer chacun de ses caprices.)
- She refused to be treated like a mere lackey. (Elle a refusé d'être traitée comme un simple laquais.)
- The politician surrounded himself with loyal lackeys. (Le politicien s'est entouré de laquais loyaux.)
- The CEO's lackeys rushed to prepare for the meeting. (Les laquais du PDG se sont précipités pour préparer la réunion.)
- He treated his colleagues as lackeys rather than equals. (Il traitait ses collègues comme des laquais plutôt que comme des égaux.)
- The lackeys were dressed in traditional livery. (Les laquais étaient vêtus d'une livrée traditionnelle.)
- Lackeys poured into the hall to serve the guests. (Les laquais ont afflué dans la salle pour servir les invités.)
- Her assistants, acting like lackeys, never disagreed with her. (Ses assistants, agissant comme des laquais, n'étaient jamais en désaccord avec elle.)
- The dictator relied on his lackeys to enforce his rule. (Le dictateur comptait sur ses laquais pour faire respecter sa loi.)
- The lackeys were constantly at the noble's beck and call. (Les laquais étaient constamment à la disposition du noble.)
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "lackeys" in English
Synonyms: servant, minion, footman, domestic, attendant, follower, slave, retainer, underling, helper.
Antonyms: master, leader, independent, superior, director.
Similar Words: sycophant, subordinate, aide, assistant, valet, page, henchman.
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "laquais" in French
Synonyms: serviteur, domestique, factotum, auxiliaire, valet, homme de main, subalterne, page, servile, esclave.
Antonyms: maître, chef, indépendant, supérieur, directeur.
Similar Words: sycophante, assistant, adjoint, sous-fifre, courtisan, complaisant, suiveur.
Disclaimer: These examples may contain sensitive content that does not reflect the opinions or policies of Translate.com, or its company Translate LLC. We welcome feedback: report an example sentence to our team.