lapdogs
Small cuddly canines
Lapdogs are small dogs bred to sit in a person's lap—breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and toy poodles.
The term extends figuratively to people who follow someone powerful with unquestioning obedience: The senator surrounded himself with lapdogs who never challenged his decisions.
The figurative use is always dismissive, suggesting servility over independence.
Compact spitz-type toy breed
- ChihuahuaNorthern Mexican state and capital
- MalteseFrom the island near Sicily
- Shih TzuTibetan toy breed
- PekingeseCompact, long-coated Chinese breed
companion · cuddling · spoiled · snuggling · teacup · grooming · ribbons · carrier
Obedient subordinates of power
- yes-menAutomatic approval-givers
- toadiesServile flatterers seeking favor
- flatterersThose offering insincere praise
- followersPeople who support someone
bootlickers · cronies · lackeys · stooges · underlings · fawning · obsequious · servile
Cooperative partners united together
- proxiesAuthorized stand-ins
- satellitesBodies circling larger ones
- client statesDependent countries under patronage
- vassalsFeudal subordinates owing service
pawns · supporters · backers · dependents · subordinate · beholden · dutiful · obedient
Pomeranian
Compact spitz-type toy breed
- ChihuahuaNorthern Mexican state and capital
- MalteseFrom the island near Sicily
- Shih TzuTibetan toy breed
Pekingese · companion · cuddling · spoiled · snuggling · teacup · grooming · ribbons · carrier · sweater
minions
Obedient subordinates of power
- yes-menAutomatic approval-givers
- toadiesServile flatterers seeking favor
- flatterersThose offering insincere praise
followers · bootlickers · cronies · lackeys · stooges · underlings · fawning · obsequious · servile · submissive
allies
Cooperative partners united together
- proxiesAuthorized stand-ins
- satellitesBodies circling larger ones
- client statesDependent countries under patronage
vassals · pawns · supporters · backers · dependents · subordinate · beholden · dutiful · obedient · mouthpiece
lapdogsguard dogs
Canines trained for protection
watchdogs · working dogs · attack dogs · hunting dogs · police dogs
lapdogsmavericks
Unorthodox, independent-minded people
rebels · independents · dissenters · whistleblowers · watchdogs
lapdogsattack dogs
Canines trained for aggression
feral dogs · wild dogs · wolves · junkyard dogs · cur