Patsy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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patsy

[ˈpætsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

dupe, fall guy, scapegoat.

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. He's always the patsy in their pranks because he trusts everyone so easily
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. When the project failed, they needed a fall guy, and unfortunately, John was chosen
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. Whenever sales drop, the manager finds a scapegoat to take the blame
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. She felt embarrassed after realizing she'd been a dupe in his scam

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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

fool, stooge, victim.

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. He was just a patsy in their elaborate scheme They needed a patsy to take the fall for the crime
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. The boss always uses him as a stooge to carry out his dirty work He acted as a stooge in the scam, taking orders from the real mastermind
fool	A 'fool' is someone who lacks judgment or sense. This word can be used humorously or insultingly, depending on the tone and context. Don't be such a fool and trust everyone you meet He played the fool at the party, entertaining everyone with his antics
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. She was the victim of a robbery The flood victims received aid from the government

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The term has appeared in movies and literature, often depicting characters who are seen as unsophisticated or played for laughs.
A well-known character type in crime films is the 'patsy,' often the innocent who unwittingly gets involved in schemes.
The musical 'Chicago' features a character that embodies the idea of a patsy, showcasing the mix of innocence and betrayal.

Psychology

Psychological studies show that individuals who score high on agreeableness may be more likely to be viewed as patsies.
Cognitive biases, like the trust bias, can lead individuals to act as patsies because they tend to believe others are honest.
Victims of manipulation often share personality traits, such as empathy, which can make them more susceptible to being a patsy.

Literature

In classic literature, a recurring theme is the use of a patsy to drive the plot, showcasing how innocence can lead to tragedy.
Authors often use the concept of a patsy to explore themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexity of human relationships.
Notable novels like 'The Catcher in the Rye' feature characters who feel like patsies, highlighting their struggle in an untrusting world.

History

Historically, during Prohibition in the U.S., 'patsies' were often used by criminals as scapegoats for illegal activities.
In the context of political events, certain individuals have been labeled as patsies for taking the blame in scandals, illustrating manipulation of power.
The term has also been used in various social movements to describe individuals who inadvertently support causes without understanding the full implications.

Origin of 'patsy'

Main points about word origin

The term 'patsy' originated in the late 19th century in American slang, often used to describe a fool or someone easily manipulated.
It is believed to be derived from 'patsy,' an affectionate nickname for 'Patrick,' suggesting a simple or naive person.
The use of 'patsy' gained traction in theater and criminal circles, where it referred to someone set up to take the blame.

The term 'patsy' originated in the late 19th century in the United States. It is believed to come from the Irish name 'Pádraig', 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.

See also: pat, patent, patient, Patrick, patten, patty.