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Straight Man for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: streɪt_mɑn

What does Straight Man really mean?

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Straight Man :

Let's talk about the term "Straight Man". Don't worry, it's not about someone with a stiff posture or always walking in a perfectly straight line. No, no, it's not that literal. Instead, "Straight Man" is actually a term used in comedy, and it refers to a specific role that someone plays in a comedic duo or group.

Imagine you're watching a funny skit where two people are performing on stage or in a movie. One of them is the "Straight Man" and the other is the "Comic" or the "Funny Guy". Now, the "Straight Man" isn't necessarily the one who is always serious or boring, it's just a role they play to accentuate the humor of the "Comic".

The "Straight Man" in a comedy act usually sets up the jokes or the funny situations for the "Comic" to respond to. They often play a more serious or normal character, which creates a contrast with the silliness or absurdity of the "Comic's" actions or dialogues. You can think of the "Straight Man" as the calm and collected anchor who keeps the comedy act grounded while the "Comic" gets to be wild and crazy.

The "Straight Man" may ask questions, express confusion, or provide a serious reaction to the humorous antics of the "Comic". For example, if the "Comic" says something completely nonsensical, the "Straight Man" might respond with a puzzled look or an incredulous remark. This creates a dynamic and makes the comedy act more enjoyable and entertaining to watch.

So, the role of the "Straight Man" is like the yin to the "Comic's" yang. They work together to create a balance of humor. While the "Comic" gets most of the laughs, the "Straight Man" is just as important because their reactions and responses often set up the jokes and make the funny moments even funnier.

To summarize, a "Straight Man" is a term used in comedy to describe the role of a person who plays a more serious or normal character, setting up jokes and funny situations for a companion "Comic" to respond to. They are like the straight arrow to the Comic's wacky antics, creating a balance that enhances the comedic effect.

Revised and Fact checked by Emma Johnson on 2023-10-28 20:19:10

Straight Man In a sentece

Learn how to use Straight Man inside a sentece

  • In a comedy routine, the straight man is the person who sets up funny situations for the other person to make jokes.
  • If you and your friend were acting out a scene from a movie, you could be the straight man by playing the serious and logical character while your friend plays the funny and silly character.
  • In a circus act, the straight man might be the person who balances on a tightrope while the other performers do exciting and risky tricks.
  • During a magic show, the straight man could be the assistant who pretends to be amazed by the magician's tricks to make them seem even more impressive.
  • In a TV show or movie, the straight man is often the character who reacts realistically to the strange or funny situations happening around them.

Straight Man Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Straight Man Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.