figure of fun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'figure of fun' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is being laughed at or made fun of. For example: The clown made himself a figure of fun as he tripped and fell stage in front of the audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Film

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 "figure of fun" to subtly critique a situation or character without being overly harsh. It suggests a level of amusement mixed with mild disapproval.

Common error

Be aware that "figure of fun" often implies a degree of derision or lack of respect. Ensure the context is appropriate and avoid using it to describe someone you genuinely admire or respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "figure of fun" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing someone or something that is perceived as amusing or ridiculous. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Books

15%

Film

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "figure of fun" correctly describes someone or something seen as amusing or ridiculous, according to Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase with a neutral to informal register. Predominantly found in News & Media, it is used to express a critical or satirical viewpoint. While common, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the implied derision. Related phrases include "laughingstock" and "object of ridicule", which can serve as more formal alternatives. Avoid confusing it with harmless amusement, as it often carries a degree of disrespect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laughingstock

Emphasizes the object of widespread mockery and derision.

object of ridicule

Focuses on the act of making someone a target of scorn.

subject of derision

Stresses the feeling of contempt directed towards someone.

butt of jokes

Highlights the use of someone as the subject of humor, often negatively.

prey to mockery

Indicates vulnerability to being mocked or ridiculed.

buffoon

Describes someone who is clumsy and ridiculous, often intentionally.

comic relief

Suggests the person unintentionally provides humor, sometimes at their own expense.

clown

Conveys someone who is amusing and playful, or someone who is foolish and incompetent.

source of amusement

Highlights the fact that someone is a source of entertainment, even if unintentional.

fool

Implies a lack of intelligence or good judgment making them an easy target.

FAQs

How can I use "figure of fun" in a sentence?

You can use "figure of fun" to describe someone who is often laughed at or made the subject of jokes. For instance, "The politician's gaffes turned him into a "figure of fun" in the media".

What's a more formal alternative to "figure of fun"?

While "figure of fun" is acceptable in many contexts, if you need a more formal alternative, consider using "object of ridicule" or "laughingstock", which convey a similar meaning with a more serious tone.

Is "figure of fun" always negative?

While often negative, the connotation of "figure of fun" can depend on the context. Sometimes it implies harmless amusement, but more often it suggests a lack of respect or being made the subject of derision. Be mindful of the implications when using the phrase.

What is the difference between ""figure of fun"" and "comic relief"?

"Figure of fun" usually describes someone who is unintentionally amusing due to their actions or appearance, often implying a degree of mockery. "Comic relief", on the other hand, refers to a character or situation intentionally introduced to provide humor, usually in a serious context.