second banana
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role: This term refers to someone who is not the main leader or star, but who supports a more prominent person.
- A performer who acts as a stooge to a comedian: Specifically in entertainment, this refers to a supporting comedian who feeds lines or is the target of jokes for the main comedian.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- In the company's leadership, she was content to be the second banana to the visionary CEO.
- The famous comedian always toured with his trusted second banana, who set up all his punchlines.
Advanced Usage
- The term often carries a connotation of being a loyal, dependable, but less celebrated supporter. It can be used in both professional and informal contexts to describe a clear hierarchy.
- While originally from vaudeville and comedy, its use has broadened to business, politics, and other fields.
Variants and Related Words
- Sidekick (n): A close companion or partner, often subordinate to the main hero.
- Stooge (n): A performer who is the butt of a comedian's jokes; more broadly, a person who is used by another.
- Understudy (n): An actor who learns another's role to be a substitute if needed.
Synonyms
- Deputy: A person appointed as a substitute with power to act.
- Lieutenant: A deputy or substitute acting for a superior.
- Number two: An informal term for the second-in-command.
Related Phrases
- To play second fiddle: An idiom with a very similar meaning, emphasizing a secondary or supporting role.
- He grew tired of playing second fiddle and started his own company.
Notes on Meaning
- The term is informal and can sometimes be seen as slightly derogatory, implying a lack of independence or top status. However, it can also be used neutrally or affectionately to acknowledge a crucial supporting role.
Noun
-
someone who serves in a subordinate capacity or plays a secondary role
-
a performer who acts as stooge to a comedian
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