The phrase "more second banana" may seem confusing to spell, but it's actually quite straightforward when broken down phonetically. "More" is pronounced as /mɔːr/, with a long "o" sound and silent "e". "Second" is pronounced as /sɛkənd/, with the stress on the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable. "Banana" is pronounced as /bəˈnɑːnə/, with the stress on the second syllable and a schwa sound in the first and third syllables. Overall, the spelling of "more second banana" matches its sounds quite well.
"More second banana" is an idiomatic expression that typically describes someone who is of lesser importance or plays a supporting role to another person. This colorful phrase stems from the entertainment industry, particularly vaudeville and early television shows, where the second banana was a performer who played a secondary comedic or supporting role to the main act or lead star.
In the context of "more second banana," the word "more" intensifies the idea of being secondary or playing a subordinate role. It suggests that someone is even more or increasingly subservient to another person, perhaps with a stronger emphasis on the power dynamics or hierarchy involved.
This expression is not limited to the entertainment industry and can be used more generally to describe any situation where there is an individual in a lesser, secondary, or supporting position compared to another significant figure. It conveys the notion of being overshadowed, overlooked, or given less attention in various aspects of life, whether it be work, relationships, or social situations.
Overall, the term "more second banana" serves as a metaphorical way to depict someone who is in a less prominent or influential position than another person, highlighting their subordinate status and relatively lower importance.