Assistant
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- For the political activist group, see The Yes Men. For the documentary film, see The Yes Men (film).
An assistant is a tool, electronic or otherwise, who or that helps another person accomplish his or her goals. Some assistants are strictly based at one's place of employment, while others assist with personal, sometimes home-related tasks. In cases where the assistant is heavily relied upon, the assistant may be known as a right-hand man or yes-man.
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[edit] Yes Man
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The term yes man is typically used for an employee who agrees with every statement of his or her employer.[1] Some synonyms of yes man are flunky, stooge, butt-boy, suck-up, kiss-ass, and sycophant; all of which have pejorative connotations.[2] Such a person may also be referred to as a lapdog.[3]
[edit] Right Hand Man
Unlike yes man, the term right hand man has positive connotations. Some[who?] assert that the term is based on the fact that most people are right-handed. Understood this way, the term refers to one who has the responsibility, knowledge and understanding, authority and ability to implement a plan articulated by one in a position of authority.
The term right hand man may also be based on the idea of a king having his adviser sit at his right side. Understood this way, the term refers to one who informs and advises a person in a position of authority, instead of one who implements the plans of authority.
In Ancient Greece, soldiers typically fought in a formation called a phalanx, where co-operation between soldiers was vital. Each soldier carried his shield on his left side, while his right side was protected by the man standing to his right. Understood this way, the term refers to one who is indisposable; a protector.
A biblical explanation also exists; in the King James Version of the Bible, Jesus is said to be "at the right hand of the Father (God). see Mark 16:19. Luke 22:69. Acts 2:33. Acts 5:31. Acts 7:55. Acts 7:56. This reference, in light of the whole of the biblical narrative, casts Jesus as either or both an implementor of a plan and/or one who is indisposable.
[edit] References
- ^ Merriam Webster online dictionary
- ^ Memidex/WordNet and slang usage documented in the Urban Dictionary.
- ^ Example of usage: Lapdog Loyalty: A “Yes-Man” Takes One For The President
