How Do You Spell SECONDBANANA?

Pronunciation: [sˌɛkəndbɐnˈɑːnə] (IPA)

The term "secondbanana" is often spelled as one word with no spaces, although it can also be written as "second banana." In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be spelled as /ˈsɛkənd bəˈnænə/. The stress falls on the second syllable (/bə/), and the "a" sounds are pronounced as a short "a" (/æ/) rather than a long "a" (/eɪ/). The word is often used in show business to refer to a performer who is secondary to the main star or act.

SECONDBANANA Meaning and Definition

1. Second banana is a colloquial term used to describe a person who holds a subordinate or supporting role in a group or organization, particularly in the context of performers or entertainers. The term is often associated with the field of comedy, where it refers to the person who plays a secondary comedic role or character, typically serving as the sidekick, stooge, or foil to the primary comedian or star.

   The term "second banana" metaphorically draws a comparison to a bunch of bananas, with the first banana being the leader or main attraction, and the second banana being the next in line. This individual usually supports and complements the lead performer, adding humor, contrast, or assisting in their comedic routines. While the role of the second banana may be indispensable, it is often perceived as being less prominent or recognized in comparison to the primary performer.

   Beyond the realm of comedy, the term "second banana" can also be applied to other contexts where there is a clear distinction between a leader or primary figure and their subordinate or assistant. It conveys a sense of being in a secondary position, without having the same level of influence, recognition, or authority as the primary figure.

Common Misspellings for SECONDBANANA

• aecondbanana
• zecondbanana
• xecondbanana
• decondbanana
• eecondbanana
• wecondbanana
• swcondbanana
• sscondbanana
• sdcondbanana
• srcondbanana
• s4condbanana
• s3condbanana
• sexondbanana
• sevondbanana
• sefondbanana
• sedondbanana
• secindbanana
• seckndbanana
• seclndbanana
• secpndbanana

Etymology of SECONDBANANA

The term "secondbanana" is a theatrical idiom that originated in Vaudeville, a popular form of variety entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In Vaudeville acts, there were typically three main performers: the top-billed star, the supporting actor, and the comedic sidekick.

The term "second banana" was used to describe the comedic sidekick or second lead. The name likely originated from the practice of comedians using bananas as a prop during their acts. The first banana would be the main comedian, while the second banana would provide humorous support and serve as a foil to the first banana.

Over time, "second banana" became a metaphorical expression, extending beyond the realm of theater and into everyday language.