Henchman

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Henchman

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun

Pronunciation

HENCH-mun  /ˈhɛn(t)ʃmən/

Definition

A faithful supporter or follower of a powerful person, especially one who assists in unethical or criminal activities; a political lackey who carries out orders without scruple; historically, a squire or page attending a knight or nobleman.

Plain meaning

A henchman is a loyal follower of a powerful person who does their dirty work — carrying out orders, often illegal or unethical, without question. In fiction it is the villain's enforcer; in politics it is the unscrupulous operative who does what the leader cannot do publicly.

Register

Informal and negative. Henchman is almost always pejorative — it implies that the follower lacks both independence and scruple. It is particularly at home in political commentary, crime fiction, and accounts of villainy. The word carries a specific suggestion of willing complicity rather than mere obedience.