Patsy: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
patsy
[ หpรฆtsi ]
character in a play
A person who is easily manipulated or used by others, especially to carry out illegal or dishonest activities. The term is often used in the context of crime or deception.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
patsy |
This word is used to refer to someone who is easily taken advantage of or deceived. Typically, it implies a certain level of gullibility or naivety.
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fall guy |
Typically used in situations where someone is blamed for a mistake or crime that they did not commit, often to protect the true culprit. It suggests being made an unjust victim.
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scapegoat |
This term is used to describe someone who is unfairly blamed for problems or failures, especially in a group or organizational setting. It suggests being targeted without just cause.
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dupe |
This word describes a person who has been tricked or deceived by someone else. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that the person was somewhat foolish for being misled.
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Examples of usage
- He was just a patsy, set up by the real criminals to take the fall.
- The police believed he was nothing more than a patsy in the elaborate scheme.
comedy
A person who is the butt of jokes or pranks, often portrayed as a naive or gullible character. This usage is common in comedy shows or films.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
patsy |
A 'patsy' is someone who is easily taken advantage of or blamed for something. It often implies that the person is naive or gullible.
|
stooge |
'Stooge' describes a person who is used by someone else to do unpleasant or dishonest work. It often has a slightly humorous or derogatory connotation.
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fool |
A 'fool' is someone who lacks judgment or sense. This word can be used humorously or insultingly, depending on the tone and context.
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victim |
A 'victim' is someone who suffers because of a crime, accident, or other unfortunate event. It is a neutral term showing sympathy for the person affected.
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Examples of usage
- The comedian used his friend as a patsy in his stand-up routine.
- She always volunteers to be the patsy in their group's pranks.
Translations
Translations of the word "patsy" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ingรชnuo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคญเฅเคฒเคพ-เคญเคพเคฒเคพ เคตเฅเคฏเคเฅเคคเคฟ
๐ฉ๐ช Naivling
๐ฎ๐ฉ polos
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟัะพััะฐะบ
๐ต๐ฑ naiwniak
๐ฏ๐ต ใไบบๅฅฝใ
๐ซ๐ท naรฏf
๐ช๐ธ ingenuo
๐น๐ท saf
๐ฐ๐ท ์์งํ ์ฌ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ุณุงุฐุฌ
๐จ๐ฟ naivka
๐ธ๐ฐ naivka
๐จ๐ณ ๅคฉ็
๐ธ๐ฎ naivec
๐ฎ๐ธ einlรฆgur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐาฃาะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฌแงแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ saf
๐ฒ๐ฝ ingenuo
Etymology
The term 'patsy' originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It is believed to come from the Irish name 'Pรกdraig', which is anglicized as 'Patrick'. Over time, 'patsy' evolved to refer to a person who is easily taken advantage of or deceived. The word has since been used in various contexts, from crime to comedy, to describe someone who is manipulated or made to look foolish.