From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - View original article
The modern connotation of "servile follower" appeared later, in 1588 (OED).
There are several theories about the origins of the word. By one theory, it is derived from Medieval French laquais, "foot soldier, footman, servant", ultimately from Turkish ulak, literally "a messenger".
Modern Australian use of the term refers to a blue collar working class man, who is generally over-worked and under-paid.
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. Such advantage is often assumed to be slight, temporary and often illusory.
|Look up lackey in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.|