Sucker Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ญ
sucker
[หsสkษr ]
Definitions
informal
A person who is easily deceived or tricked; a gullible person.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sucker |
Used in informal situations to describe someone who is easily convinced or tricked. Often carries a slightly negative or playful connotation.
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| dupe |
Used to describe someone who has been deceived or tricked, often in a serious or unfortunate situation. This word is more formal and has a negative connotation.
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| fool |
Used broadly to describe someone who lacks good judgment or acts unwisely. Can be used in both serious and light-hearted contexts, but often has a negative connotation.
|
| gullible person |
Describes someone who is easily deceived or tricked because they are too trusting. This term is often used more sympathetically or objectively.
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Examples of usage
- Don't be a sucker and fall for that scam!
- He's such a sucker, he believes everything he's told.
slang
A lollipop or hard candy on a stick.
Synonyms
candy stick, lollipop.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sucker |
Generally informal and sometimes has a negative connotation, often used in casual conversations among friends or in a playful manner.
|
| lollipop |
The most neutral and widely accepted term, appropriate for use in both casual and formal contexts, particularly when talking about different types of flavored, hard candies on a stick.
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| candy stick |
Less common and typically used in more traditional or descriptive contexts, especially when referring to striped hard candies that often come in red and white colors.
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Examples of usage
- She bought a cherry sucker from the candy store.
- The kids enjoyed their grape-flavored suckers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In movies and television, a 'sucker' often appears as a character that gets conned, making them relatable and sometimes comedic.
- Popular songs have used the term to characterize relationships, suggesting one partner is unintentionally naive.
Psychology
- Cognitive biases, like the 'sunk cost fallacy,' can make people act like 'suckers' by sticking to bad decisions.
- People may be labeled as 'suckers' when they show trust as a virtue, leading them to be exploited by others.
Literature
- Various authors have used 'sucker' in their works to highlight themes of betrayal and innocence.
- In classic literature, characters who fit the 'sucker' mold often undergo transformative journeys upon realizing their deception.
Humor
- Jokes often play on the idea of being a 'sucker,' where punchlines reveal the humor in being gullible.
- Pranks centered around the idea of tricking 'suckers' can be a source of both laughter and life lessons.
Origin of 'sucker'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the late 19th century, originally referring to someone who would 'suck' on candy or lollipops.
- The word has roots in early American slang, often used to describe someone who is naive or easily tricked.
The word 'sucker' has a long history with various meanings over time. The slang usage to refer to a gullible person dates back to the 19th century, while the term for a lollipop or candy on a stick emerged in the early 20th century. The word is derived from the Middle English 'suker', ultimately from the Old English 'sลซcan' meaning 'to suck'.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #17,078, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.
- ...
- 17075 discernment
- 17076 kite
- 17077 sufficed
- 17078 sucker
- 17079 bipartisan
- 17080 biologist
- 17081 expropriation
- ...