Minion
/ˈmɪn.jən/noun
A subordinate follower or servile dependent.
Did you know?Minion entered English through Old French as a term for a beloved or favored person, showing how words for closeness can harden into hierarchy and submission.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, remember, have in mind”
Latin
Latin
mināri? / minor?
“The accepted origin is uncertain in the details, but the word came into Old French as a term of affection or favor, not as a simple direct Latin inheritance”
Old French
OF
mignon
“a darling, favorite, beloved one”
Middle English
English
minion
“a favorite, darling, or close attendant”
Modern English
English
minion
“a servant or underling, especially one who obeys another unquestioningly”