SECOND BANANA Meaning and
Definition
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The term "second banana" refers to an individual who holds a subordinate or supporting position in a group or team, often in the entertainment industry. Originally derived from the vaudeville tradition, it is commonly used to describe the performer who plays the secondary role to the main character or lead performer. The term can also be extended outside the realm of entertainment to describe a person who plays a supporting role in any context or situation.
In various fields, such as comedy duos, acting ensembles, or television shows, the second banana character typically serves as a foil to the primary figure and provides contrast, comic relief, or support. They often exhibit humorous or eccentric characteristics, which add flavor and vitality to the overall performance. Although secondary in prominence, the second banana character is essential to the success of the act or production, providing balance and enhancing the dynamics between the main character and the audience.
The term "second banana" is often used metaphorically to describe someone in real-life situations who plays a subservient or subordinate role to a more prominent or influential individual. In professional settings, the second banana can be a loyal assistant, a deputy, or a right-hand person, offering support and augmenting the accomplishments of the primary figure. This term embodies a sense of humility, acknowledging the importance of teamwork and recognizing that success can be achieved through collaboration and cooperation rather than solely through individual efforts.
Common Misspellings for SECOND BANANA
- aecond banana
- zecond banana
- xecond banana
- decond banana
- eecond banana
- wecond banana
- swcond banana
- sscond banana
- sdcond banana
- srcond banana
- s4cond banana
- s3cond banana
- sexond banana
- sevond banana
- sefond banana
- sedond banana
- secind banana
- secknd banana
- seclnd banana
- secpnd banana
Etymology of SECOND BANANA
The term "second banana" is derived from vaudeville, a form of variety entertainment popular in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In vaudeville shows, typically consisting of a series of performances, the "second banana" referred to the performer or comedian who played a supporting role to the main or lead performer, who was often referred to as the "top banana".
The term "banana" in this context originated from an earlier term called "top banana", which was used to refer to the brightest or most talented performer in a comedy ensemble. It is believed that the term "top banana" originated from the use of bananas as a visual prop in comedic acts, as ripe bananas were considered an item of luxury and could symbolize someone of importance or high status.
Idioms with the word SECOND BANANA
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second banana
A person in a subservient or supporting role to someone else, especially when that person is more prominent or important.
Similar spelling words for SECOND BANANA
- second wind,
- second reading,
- more second-banana,
- second sacker,
- second best,
- second moment,
- second coming,
- second hand,
- second-year,
- second nature,
- second mortgage,
- second estate,
- second base,
- second half,
- second baseman,
- secondment,
- second deck,
- pannonia secunda,
- second cousin,
- most second-banana,
- second stomach,
- second balcony,
- second crusade,
- second person,
- second gear,
- second advent,
- second class,
- second joint,
- secondhand.
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