lobbygow

Probably from Cantonese, but of unclear derivation. The first element is either English lobby or modified after that word from an obscured Chinese source; the second element may be English gow (“opium”), or may be Cantonese 狗 (gau², “dog”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈlɒbiɡaʊ/

lobbygow (plural lobbygows)

1. (US, informal) An errand boy, especially in Chinatown.