A minion is someone who obediently serves a more powerful person, often without questioning their orders. The word usually suggests that the person follows blindly or does whatever they're told, even if it's wrong or foolish. In stories, evil villains often have minions who carry out their wicked plans.

You might read about a corrupt mayor whose minions help cover up his crimes, or a fantasy novel where a dark wizard sends his minions to do his dirty work. The word has a slightly mocking tone, suggesting that minions don't think for themselves or lack the courage to stand up to their boss.

In everyday conversation, someone might jokingly call themselves a minion when they feel like they're just following orders at school or doing chores at home: “I'm just a minion in my older sister's homework empire!” The humor comes from exaggerating how powerless they feel.

The word became especially popular through the animated Minions characters, those small yellow creatures who enthusiastically serve villains. While those characters are silly and lovable, the traditional meaning of minion is less flattering. It describes someone who has given up their independence to serve someone else's agenda instead of thinking and acting for themselves.