laughingstock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "laughingstock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person or thing that is the subject of ridicule or mockery. Example: "After his embarrassing performance, he became the laughingstock of the entire school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And that's just how it played out, except poor Ms Miers became a bit of a laughingstock (and a popular Halloween costume that year).If Mr McCain is regretting his choice (an open question), Ms Parker's strategy might be a palatable though cynical option because it puts most of the blame on Mrs Palin.

The Economist

The Polish nobles became the laughingstock of Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His physical condition made him a laughingstock among his peers, and his friendlessness hindered his academic achievement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The king now embarked on the series of matrimonial adventures that made him appear both a monster and a laughingstock.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Where had that confident little gal — Once, Pammy-Putt came home from second grade asking what a laughingstock was.

The New Yorker

Throughout most of American history, after all, from John Adams's declaring the Vice-Presidency "the most insignificant office" to the fictional Veep Alexander Throttlebottom's haplessness in the musical "Of Thee I Sing," the office has been regarded as a figurehead's position, a laughingstock.

The New Yorker

Despite his "Anglo-Saxon heritage" and a promise to restore a bust of Winston Churchill to the Oval Office, Romney became not just a persona non grata but something far worse, in these precincts: a laughingstock.

The New Yorker

Some New York pols are grumbling about the city's becoming a laughingstock.

The New Yorker

In an exchange of letters between father and daughter that later surfaced in court, Gina told Lang that he had become a laughingstock.

The New Yorker

When the time came for my thigh to be bandaged, I became a laughingstock for the following reason: the gas-mask case, which was still attached to me, had been slit open by a finger-length grenade splinter and the contents had gushed out and made a mess of jam in my pants.

The New Yorker

"I was the laughingstock of the Peabody Conservatory when I announced that I was going to El Paso," he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "laughingstock" when you want to convey that someone or something has become the object of widespread ridicule or mockery. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the term.

Common error

Avoid using "laughingstock" in situations where the ridicule is minor or playful. The term implies a significant degree of public humiliation and should be reserved for appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "laughingstock" is as a noun. It typically serves as a subject complement or object in a sentence, identifying who or what is being ridiculed. Ludwig confirms its correct grammatical standing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Social Media

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "laughingstock" is a noun used to describe someone or something that has become the object of widespread ridicule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, "laughingstock" is best used when describing situations involving significant public humiliation rather than minor teasing. Related terms such as "object of ridicule" or "butt of jokes" can offer more nuanced expressions. Remember to use "laughingstock" judiciously to maintain the appropriate tone and intensity in your writing. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in portraying public failures and absurdities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

object of ridicule

Emphasizes the act of being ridiculed rather than the state of being perceived as ridiculous.

butt of jokes

Focuses on being the target of humor, often implying harmless teasing.

figure of fun

Suggests someone who is amusing or entertaining to others, often unintentionally.

an object of scorn

Highlights the contempt or disdain directed towards someone or something.

a source of derision

Emphasizes that the person or thing is the cause of mocking and contempt.

the scapegoat

Implies being unfairly blamed or made to suffer for the mistakes of others.

a mockery

Highlights the absurdity and lack of seriousness associated with someone or something.

a parody

Suggests an imitation that exaggerates features to create a comic effect.

a travesty

Indicates a distorted or debased representation of something that should be taken seriously.

a fool

Simple term referring to someone who acts unwisely or is easily tricked.

FAQs

How can I use "laughingstock" in a sentence?

You can use "laughingstock" to describe someone or something that is the object of ridicule. For instance, "After the disastrous presentation, the company became the "laughingstock" of the industry."

What are some alternatives to "laughingstock"?

Alternatives include "object of ridicule", "butt of jokes", or "figure of fun", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is a "laughingstock"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Laughingstock" is a noun that refers to a person or thing that is the object of ridicule.

What is the difference between "laughingstock" and "object of ridicule"?

"Laughingstock" implies a state of being widely mocked, while "object of ridicule" emphasizes the action of ridiculing. They are similar, but "laughingstock" carries a stronger sense of public humiliation.