Sbires (en. Minions)

/sbiʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

An individual serving an influential figure, often as a brute or schemer.

The gangster's sbires were always ready to carry out his orders.

Les sbires du gangster étaient toujours prêts à exécuter ses ordres.

Subordinates acting on behalf of another, usually in dubious activities.

He sent his sbires to do the dirty work.

Il a envoyé ses sbires faire le sale boulot.

Members of a team aimed at intimidating or threatening.

The chief's sbires were feared throughout the neighborhood.

Les sbires du chef étaient redoutés dans tout le quartier.

The word 'sbire' comes from the Italian 'sbirro', meaning a policeman or an individual serving a power.

have sbires

To have people under one's control to execute one's wishes.

avoir des sbires

call on his sbires

To seek the help of subordinates to accomplish a mission.

faire appel à ses sbires

be treated like a sbire

To be treated in a demeaning manner, without recognition.

être traité comme un sbire

lackey

A servant who obeys the orders of a master.

laquais

acolyte

A partner or accomplice in a task.

acolyte

executor

A person who carries out a given task or order.

exécutant

small fry

He is considered a small fry in the hierarchy.

Il est considéré comme un petit bras dans la hiérarchie.

lout

This lout only follows the orders of his superior.

Ce goujat ne fait que suivre les ordres de son supérieur.