Pronunciation: [lˈakɪɪŋ] (IPA) 
"Lackeying" is a verb that means to act as a subservient follower or servant. The word is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" because it is derived from the noun "lackey," which means a footman or servant. The phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈlæk.i.ɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a long "i" sound.
Lackeying is a verb that refers to the act of serving or obeying someone in a submissive or subservient manner, often without question or hesitation. It commonly involves blindly carrying out orders or fulfilling tasks on behalf of a superior, without expressing personal opinions or demonstrating independent thinking.
In a literal sense, a lackey is a low-ranking servant or assistant who is employed to perform various menial tasks for a person of higher authority or status. Therefore, lackeying can also be seen as the act of assuming such a subservient role and adopting a servile attitude in one's interactions with others.
The term is often associated with negative connotations, as it implies a loss of individual agency or independence. Lackeying suggests a willingness to go to great lengths to please others, often at the expense of one's own conscience or well-being. It can also be indicative of a lack of assertiveness or confidence in expressing personal opinions or challenging authority.
Lackeying can occur in various contexts, including personal relationships, workplaces, or even political settings, where individuals may be pressured to conform and blindly follow others without question. However, it is important to note that lackeying is not always a deliberate or conscious act, as it can also stem from fear, insecurity, or a desire for approval and acceptance.
The word "lackeying" is derived from the noun "lackey". "Lackey" originated in the early 16th century from the Middle French word "laquais", which referred to a footman or servant who attended to a high-ranking person. Middle French borrowed the word from Spanish "lacayo" or Italian "lacchè", which ultimately have their roots in medieval Greek "lágōs". However, the exact origin of this Greek term is uncertain. Overall, "lackeying" is the present participle form of "lackey" and denotes the act of behaving like a lackey or serving obsequiously.
