Laughingstock

usgb/ˈlæf.ɪŋ.stɑk/
noun

A person or thing that is laughed at or ridiculed.

After the blunder at the meeting, he became the laughingstock of the office.
Visual representation of "laughingstock" - A person or thing that is laughed at or ridiculed.

Often appears as...

  • the laughingstock of the town
  • become a laughingstock

Usage tips

Neutral

general, idiomatic, colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "laughingstock"
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Context

The term often conveys a sense of mockery and is typically used in both formal and informal contexts.

Illustration for Context
In a debate, a politician might become a laughingstock if they make a significant error.
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Cultural Nuance

In some cultures, being a laughingstock can lead to serious social ostracism, while in others, it can foster camaraderie.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
In comedy shows, characters often intentionally become laughingstocks for humor.
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Emotional Connotation

Being labeled as a laughingstock can evoke feelings of shame or embarrassment, affecting an individual's self-esteem.

Illustration for Emotional Connotation
After the event, she felt like a laughingstock among her friends.
Visual representation of the word "Laughingstock"

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