Patsy - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A patsy is a person who is easily manipulated or blamed for something, often unfairly. It can also refer to someone set up to take the blame for others' actions.
Definition:
A person easily taken advantage of or blamed for others' actions.
Synonyms:
scapegoat, fall guy, dupe, stooge
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
mastermind, perpetrator
Common Collocations:
political patsy, perfect patsy, unwitting patsy
Derivatives:
patsies, patsy-like
Usage Tips:
Use "patsy" to describe someone unfairly blamed or manipulated in a situation.
Common Phrases:
take the fall for, set up as a patsy, be someone's patsy
Etymology:
Originated in late 19th-century America, possibly from Italian "pazzo" (fool) or Irish "Patsy" (Patrick).
Examples:
- 1. He became the patsy for his team's failure.
- 2. The criminal framed an innocent man as his patsy.
- 3. She refused to be a patsy in their scheme.
- 4. They needed a patsy to cover their mistakes.