LAUGH STOCK Meaning and
Definition
-
Laugh stock is a noun phrase that refers to a person or thing that is the object of ridicule, mockery, or derision. It describes someone or something that is widely regarded as absurd, foolish, or worthy of contemptuous laughter. The term is often used to describe individuals who consistently make themselves look foolish or behave foolishly, leading others to view them as a source of amusement and mockery.
When someone becomes a laugh stock, it typically means that they have become a subject of public ridicule due to their actions, words, or overall demeanor. This can occur when a person constantly fails or makes mistakes, engages in embarrassing behavior, or exhibits a lack of common sense. As a result, others may find amusement or delight in making fun of them, sometimes deliberately seeking to humiliate or belittle the individual.
The term "laugh stock" can also be applied to inanimate objects, concepts, or situations that are seen as laughable or ridiculous. This can include outdated or obsolete technology, bizarre fashion trends, illogical ideas, or comical displays of ineptitude. Additionally, the term often implies that the subject of mockery is unaware or oblivious to the extent of the ridicule they are receiving.
Overall, laugh stock refers to a person or thing that has become a source of humor and entertainment for others, often at the expense of their dignity or reputation.
Etymology of LAUGH STOCK
The term "laugh stock" originates from the English phrase "laughing stock", which dates back to the late 16th century. It is a compound noun consisting of "laugh" (from Middle English "laughen", ultimately derived from Old English "hliehhan") and "stock" (meaning a piece of wood, tree trunk, or log). Metaphorically, "stock" refers to something that is synonymous with a person's reputation or standing.
The origin of this phrase lies in the practice of "stockaging", which involved publicly displaying someone in a wooden frame or stocks, commonly used as a form of punishment or humiliation in the past. This punishment was typically reserved for minor offenders, particularly those guilty of petty crimes or public acts of foolishness. Passersby would often mock and ridicule those trapped in the stocks, laughing at their misfortune.
