POINTINGSTOCK Meaning and
Definition
-
Pointingstock is a term that originated in English history during the Tudor era. It refers to an individual who becomes the object of ridicule, mockery, or public humiliation. The term is derived from the practice of using a wooden target, known as a stock, in which a person's head or face is positioned for the purpose of objecting disapproval or scorn. The pointingstock was often used as a means to publicly shame and belittle individuals who were considered social outcasts or regarded as deviant in some way.
In a broader sense, pointingstock symbolizes the act of singling out or exposing a person to public humiliation or ridicule. It entails making someone the subject of derision or mockery, often with the intention of undermining their reputation or social standing. Historically, pointingstocks were commonly employed as a form of punishment, entertainment, or public spectacle, often involving a crowd of people who would gather to witness the humiliation.
Today, the term pointingstock may be used metaphorically to describe someone who has become the target of collective mockery or criticism. It can describe situations where an individual is publicly ridiculed or made a laughingstock due to their actions, appearance, or beliefs. In a social context, it implies degrading or demeaning treatment, with the aim of subjecting someone to public shame or embarrassment.
Common Misspellings for POINTINGSTOCK
- oointingstock
- lointingstock
- -ointingstock
- 0ointingstock
- piintingstock
- pkintingstock
- plintingstock
- ppintingstock
- p0intingstock
- p9intingstock
- pountingstock
- pojntingstock
- pokntingstock
- poontingstock
- po9ntingstock
- po8ntingstock
- poibtingstock
- poimtingstock
- poijtingstock
- poihtingstock
Etymology of POINTINGSTOCK
The word "pointingstock" originated in the early 17th century and is derived from two separate words: "pointing" and "stock".
The term "pointing" comes from the Old French word "point", which means "sharp end" or "spearhead". Over time, it also took on the meaning of "to direct or indicate". In English, the word "point" refers to both a noun (sharp end or tip) and a verb (indicating or directing with one's finger or a tool).
"Stock" in this context refers to a wooden post or pillar. It is derived from the Old English word "stocc", which means "trunk" or "log". In the 17th century, a stock was often used as a means of punishment by locking or securing an individual's head, hands, or feet in the wooden apparatus.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
