zau2 gau2走狗
Jyutpingzau2 gau2
Yalejáu gáu
Definition
Lackey, running dog, or servile follower who does bad things under orders.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of moral condemnation, implying that the person has abandoned their own principles to serve someone else's corrupt agenda. It is far more aggressive than simply calling someone a subordinate or an assistant. Using this word effectively labels the target as spineless and morally bankrupt.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
He is always acting like a lackey, helping the boss bully colleagues.
Stop being his lackey, wake up to yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
to act as a lackey
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a loyal employee or a helpful assistant, as it implies they are complicit in wrongdoing. It is strictly an insult used to attack someone's character.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
