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Laughingstock - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

laughingstock

/ˈlæfɪŋˌstɑk/ /ˈlɑːfɪŋˌstɒk/

Definition:

A person or thing ridiculed and seen as absurd or foolish by others.

Synonyms:

butt of jokes, figure of fun, mockery, target

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

hero, role model

Common Collocations:

become a laughingstock, turn into a laughingstock, avoid being a laughingstock

Derivatives:

laugh (verb), laughter (noun)

Usage Tips:

Use "laughingstock" to describe someone or something widely mocked for being ridiculous or incompetent.

Common Phrases:

make a laughingstock of someone, public laughingstock, avoid becoming a laughingstock

Etymology:

Originates from "laughing" + "stock," meaning a target for ridicule (16th century).

Examples:

  • 1. His silly mistake made him the laughingstock of the office.
  • 2. The team became a laughingstock after losing 10-0.
  • 3. She feared her outdated clothes would turn her into a laughingstock.
  • 4. The politician’s blunder turned him into a national laughingstock.

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