agony column
Definition
Noun: A regular feature in a newspaper or magazine where readers write in to seek advice for their personal or emotional problems, and responses are published. Traditionally, it is a form of public advice column.
Usage
The term "agony column" is used to refer to the specific section of a publication. It describes the column itself, not the act of writing to it.
Examples
- She found comfort in the practical advice given in the newspaper's agony column.
- He decided to write to the agony column about his relationship troubles.
- The agony column has been a popular feature in that magazine for decades.
Advanced Usage
- The concept can be extended metaphorically to describe any forum or person that serves as a public source for solicited personal advice.
- With all his friends asking for relationship advice, he felt like a walking agony column.
Variants and Related Words
- Advice column: A more general, modern synonym for "agony column."
- Agony aunt (noun, chiefly British): The person, typically a woman, who writes the responses for an agony column.
- Agony uncle (noun): The male equivalent of an agony aunt.
Synonyms
- Advice column
- Help column
- Problem page (chiefly British)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To be an agony aunt/uncle: To habitually give advice on personal problems, often informally.
- Ever since university, she's been the agony aunt for all her friends.
Noun
-
a newspaper column devoted to personal problems
