Definition

1. Noun:
   • A man at one end of a row of people: A person positioned at the terminal point of a line or formation of individuals.
   • A man at one end of a line of performers in a minstrel show; carries on humorous dialogue with the interlocutor: In the traditional structure of a minstrel show, a performer stationed at either end of the semicircle of seated performers, responsible for engaging in comic repartee with the middleman, or interlocutor.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the group photo, the tallest person was designated as the end man.
  • The end man in the minstrel troupe delivered the punchlines with perfect timing.

Advanced Usage

• Theatrical Role: Historically, the "end man" (often called a "corner man") was a specific comedic role in 19th and early 20th-century American minstrelsy. His function was to provide witty, often nonsensical, responses to the straight-man questions posed by the interlocutor.
  • The success of the sketch relied heavily on the chemistry between the interlocutor and the end man.

Variants and Related Words

• Interlocutor (n): The middle performer in a minstrel show who questions the end men and acts as the straight man.
• Minstrel show (n): A form of American entertainment featuring comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, now considered racially offensive.

Synonyms

• Corner man: A direct synonym in the context of minstrel shows.
• Flanker: A person or thing situated at the side or end of something (general usage, not specific to performance).

Notes on Meaning

• The term has two distinct but related meanings: a general positional meaning (any man at the end of a row) and a specific historical/theatrical meaning (a performer in a minstrel show). The theatrical usage is now primarily of historical interest due to the racially charged nature of minstrelsy.

Noun

1. a man at one end of a row of people
2. a man at one end of line of performers in a minstrel show; carries on humorous dialogue with the interlocutor