Definition

Noun: A person or thing that is ridiculed or made fun of by others; an object of general mockery or derision.

Usage

The word "laughingstock" is used to describe someone or something that has become the focus of widespread ridicule, often due to a foolish mistake, an embarrassing situation, or a perceived lack of competence. It implies a sustained state of being mocked, not just a single instance of laughter.

Examples

• After tripping on stage during the important ceremony, he became the laughingstock of the entire school.
• The company's failed product launch turned it into an industry laughingstock.
• She feared her outdated ideas would make her a laughingstock among her colleagues.

Advanced Usage

• To be/make a laughingstock: This is the most common construction.
  • His arrogant speech made him a laughingstock on social media.
• The laughingstock of [a group/place]: Specifies the community that is doing the mocking.
  • The team's constant losses made them the laughingstock of the league.

Variants and Related Words

• Laughing stock: An alternative, less common spelling as two separate words. The single-word form "laughingstock" is standard.
• Butt (noun): A person or thing that is the target of criticism or ridicule. (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Joke (noun): A person or thing that is ridiculed.
• Figure of fun: Someone who is laughed at.
• Aunt Sally (chiefly British): A target for criticism or ridicule.

Idioms and Phrases

• To be the butt of a joke: A very similar idiom meaning to be the target of ridicule.
  • He was tired of being the butt of their jokes.
• A standing joke: Something or someone that is consistently and perpetually ridiculed.
  • His forgetfulness is a standing joke in the office.

Noun

1. a victim of ridicule or pranks