English Explanatory Dictionary

stooge

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. One who knowingly allows himself or herself to be used for another's profit; a dupe.
  2. A magician's assistant who pretends to be a member of the audience.
  3. A straight man.
  4. A secret informant for police.
  5. A confederate; a person who is secretly working for the researcher, unknown to the study participant.
verb
  1. To act as a straight man.

Pronunciation

/stuːd͡ʒ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-stooge.wav

Word forms

stooge stooges stooging stooged

Etymology

Perhaps an abbreviation of Russian студе́нт (studént) [stʊˈdʲent]; the original meaning was “stage assistant, actor who assists a comedian”. It may have been a Yiddish vaudeville term.

Synonyms

acolyte adjutant aide bootlicker disciple flunkey footman follower henchman hireling inferior lackey lap dog lickspittle man Friday minion myrmidon poodle retainer right-hand man right-hand woman servant stooge subordinate sycophant toady underling vassal yes man confederate

Related words

claque
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