LAUGHING STOCK Meaning and
Definition
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A laughing stock refers to an individual, group, or entity that becomes an object of ridicule, scorn, or mockery due to their perceived foolishness, incompetence, or absurd behavior. The term is often used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is continuously subject to public derision or amusement. The laughing stock is typically viewed as a figure who unintentionally or knowingly becomes a source of laughter for others, serving as a target for mockery and jokes.
The term "laughing stock" can encompass a wide range of situations. It may refer to someone who consistently fails or makes foolish mistakes, thereby becoming a source of entertainment for others. Additionally, it can relate to individuals who hold themselves in higher regard than warranted, resulting in their ideas or actions being dismissed and ridiculed. Public figures, such as politicians or celebrities, are particularly susceptible to becoming laughing stocks if they make controversial statements or display incompetence, leading to widespread public criticism and mocking.
Within society, laughing stocks are often regarded with a mix of disdain, amusement, and pity. They frequently enter the public consciousness, becoming objects of humor or subjects of memes and jokes. It is important to note that while the term implies ridiculing or mocking, it should be used with caution to avoid perpetuating negativity or contributing to someone's suffering.
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An object or butt of ridicule.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LAUGHING STOCK
- laughingstock
- kaughing stock
- paughing stock
- oaughing stock
- lzughing stock
- lsughing stock
- lwughing stock
- lqughing stock
- layghing stock
- lahghing stock
- lajghing stock
- laighing stock
- la8ghing stock
- la7ghing stock
- laufhing stock
- lauvhing stock
- laubhing stock
- lauhhing stock
- lauyhing stock
- lauthing stock
Etymology of LAUGHING STOCK
The word "laughing stock" originated in the early 17th century and is derived from two separate words: "laughing" and "stock".
"Laughing" comes from the Old English word "hleahhan", which means to express amusement or joy through laughter. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hlahjanan", meaning to laugh, from which several other Germanic languages have similar words.
"Stock" has a different origin. It comes from the Old English "stocc", meaning a trunk or a stump of a tree. Over time, "stock" evolved to refer to other things, including objects used for punishment, such as a pillory or stocks, where offenders' hands and feet were confined for public humiliation.
The combination of these two words, "laughing stock", began to be used around the 1600s.
Idioms with the word LAUGHING STOCK
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a laughing stock
The idiom "a laughing stock" refers to a person, group, or thing that becomes a subject of ridicule or mockery, often due to their foolishness, incompetence, or poor judgement. It implies that others find amusement in making fun of or mocking the subject, leading to their humiliation and loss of respect.
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laughing stock
A person or thing that is ridiculed or mocked by others; a target of jokes or mockery.
Similar spelling words for LAUGHING STOCK
- zoetic living,
- make laughing-stock,
- makes laughing-stock,
- made laughing-stock,
- making laughing-stock.
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