Stooge

/stuːdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who plays a submissive or compliant role in a comedic act, typically acting as a foil to a more dominant character.

The comedian's stooge provided the necessary bumbling humor that kept the audience laughing.

A person who is used by another for their own purposes, often in a demeaning way.

He felt like a stooge for his boss, always taking the blame for things that weren't his fault.

A foolish or incompetent person.

The character in the movie was portrayed as a stooge, constantly making silly mistakes.

Origin unknown, possibly derived from 'stooge' in the context of a comic performer.

stooge around

To waste time, often in an aimless fashion.

stooge for someone

To act as a subordinate, often in a way that is submissive or foolish.

backstage stooge

A person who helps prepare for a performance behind the scenes.

lackey

A servant or follower who is overly submissive.

gopher

A person who runs errands or performs petty tasks.

patsy

A person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of.

A person who is easily manipulated or used by others.

Stop being such a stooge for your boss; stand up for yourself!

An untrustworthy person who goes along with bad ideas.

He's just a stooge in that shady deal.