Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
straight-man
noun
/ˈstreɪt mæn/
Definition
A straight-man is a person who plays a serious or neutral role in a comedic situation, reacting to the more humorous antics of others, usually in a way that highlights the humor.
Examples
- In the skit, Tom played the straight-man while Jerry delivered all the punchlines.
- The duo was famous for their routines, where one was always the straight-man to the other’s silly antics.
Meaning
In comedy, the straight-man provides a contrast to the comedian, allowing the jokes and whimsical behavior of the comedian to stand out.
Synonyms
- Stooge
- Foil
- Setup
