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- Sbire - meaning & definition
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Translate Files Sbire (en. Minion)
/bʁ/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
An assistant or henchman in the service of organized crime.
The boss's sbire was always ready to carry out his orders.
Le sbire du patron était toujours prêt à exécuter ses ordres.
A man who acts as an executor for someone else.
He was denounced as the sbire who handled threats on behalf of the gang.
Il a été dénoncé comme le sbire qui s'occupait des menaces pour le compte du gang.
An individual who is loyal to a leader at the expense of his own principles.
Etymology
The word "sbire" comes from the Italian "sbirro," which refers to a policeman or law enforcement agent.
Common Phrases and Expressions
to serve as a sbire
To act as an executor or henchman for someone.
servir de sbire
to be someone's sbire
To be under the orders of a powerful person, often in a subordinate position.
être le sbire de quelqu'un
Related Words
crime
Illegal act or violation of laws.
crime
gang
Organized group of people who commit crimes.
gang
mafia
Criminal organization often operating illegally.
mafia
Slang Meanings
A sbire is sometimes used to refer to an eager agent in a disreputable context.
This sbire just follows orders without questioning anything.
Ce sbire ne fait que suivre les ordres sans se poser de questions.
The term can also be used pejoratively to designate a lackey.
He became his boss's sbire, ready to do anything to please.
Il est devenu le sbire de son patron, prêt à tout pour plaire.