A lapdog is a small dog bred to be a gentle companion that can comfortably sit in someone's lap. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were developed specifically for this purpose. Unlike working dogs bred to herd sheep or hunt, lapdogs were meant to provide companionship and affection, often for royalty and wealthy families who wanted a pet to keep them company indoors.

The word also describes a person who follows someone else around obediently without thinking for themselves. If someone calls a student a lapdog, they mean that person agrees with everything the popular kids say, even when those ideas are wrong or unfair. This usage is insulting because it suggests the person has given up their independence and ability to think critically.

You might hear someone say a politician has become a lapdog for a powerful business leader, meaning they support that person's interests no matter what, rather than standing up for what's right. The image is of someone sitting obediently at another's feet, like a small dog waiting for attention. In this sense, being called a lapdog means you've traded your independence for someone else's approval.