It is still a good description. For years I was a devil's advocate, and called myself the company "NO" man.
Whenever the managing director proposed something, all the "yes" men would enthustiacally back it. I would ask awkward questions about its possible consequences.
That could explain why I ended up promoted by the managing director to become the number two man in the entire operation. He knew I was on his side and wasn't going to let him fail.