a figure of fun

USAGE SUMMARY

"a figure of fun" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means someone or something that is funny or comical, often unintentionally. Example: The clown's silly antics made him a figure of fun at the children's birthday party.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(Clowes's critic is a figure of fun).

The New Yorker

But she was never a figure of fun.

The New York Times

But the headmaster is not entirely a figure of fun.

The Guardian

Loadsamoney, they might remember, was a figure of fun.

The Guardian - Sport

For a time he was a figure of fun.

The New York Times

He is a figure of fun, for sure.

The New York Times

But Craig is not just a figure of fun.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hopefully she will not become a figure of fun.

Independent

That doesn't mean Gandhi can't be a figure of fun.

The New York Times - Books

The writer of On Logic and On Liberty was ever a figure of fun.

The Guardian - Books

They would dearly like him to become a figure of fun.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a figure of fun" when you want to describe someone or something that is perceived as unintentionally comical or ridiculous. It often implies a lack of seriousness or respect.

Common error

Avoid using "a figure of fun" in situations where the intent is to describe intentional humor or comedic performance. The phrase typically suggests unintentional or unfortunate circumstances leading to amusement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a figure of fun" primarily functions as a noun phrase, serving as a subject complement or an appositive to describe a person or thing. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a figure of fun" is a commonly used phrase to describe someone or something that is seen as comical or ridiculous, often unintentionally. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable, particularly in news and media contexts. While the term is prevalent, it's important to consider its potential connotations, as it can sometimes imply a lack of respect. Alternatives such as "a laughingstock" or "an object of ridicule" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context. The usage of "a figure of fun" effectively adds depth to descriptions of individuals or situations perceived as absurd or unintentionally amusing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an object of ridicule

Focuses on the act of making someone or something appear foolish or absurd.

a subject of mockery

Highlights that someone or something is the main focus of derision and scorn.

a laughingstock

Indicates someone or something subjected to widespread mockery, implying a loss of respect.

a source of amusement

Emphasizes the entertainment value derived from the person or thing, whether intentional or not.

a ridiculous person

Highlights the characteristic of being silly or absurd, evoking amusement.

a comic character

Highlights the humorous nature of the person or thing, often in a deliberate or theatrical way.

an absurd character

This alternative emphasizes the nonsensical nature of the character.

a ludicrous individual

Refers to someone considered foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing.

a comical person

Someone funny and amusing.

a humorous individual

Directly points out the person's capacity to cause laughter or provide amusement.

FAQs

How can "a figure of fun" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a figure of fun" to describe someone or something that is perceived as comical or ridiculous. For example, "The politician's outlandish statements made him "a figure of fun" in the media."

What are some alternatives to "a figure of fun"?

Alternatives to "a figure of fun" include "a laughingstock", "an object of ridicule", or "a comic character", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to call someone "a figure of fun"?

Calling someone "a figure of fun" can be considered derogatory, as it implies a lack of respect and suggests that the person is seen as ridiculous or comical, often unintentionally.

What is the difference between "a figure of fun" and "a source of amusement"?

"A figure of fun" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting someone is ridiculed. "A source of amusement"/"a source of amusement" can be more neutral, simply indicating something that provides entertainment.