Second Banana

Pronunciation: /ˈsɛkənd bəˈnænə/

Definitions of second banana

noun a person in a position of secondary importance or status

Example Sentences

A1 In the play, the second banana always follows the lead actor.

A2 The second banana in the band plays the drums.

B1 The second banana in the office is responsible for organizing meetings.

B2 She was tired of always being the second banana in their relationship.

C1 The second banana in the company is often overlooked for their contributions.

C2 He was content with being the second banana as long as he could support the team.

Examples of second banana in a Sentence

formal The vice president is often referred to as the second banana in the company.

informal I don't want to be anyone's second banana, I want to be the star of the show.

slang He's always playing second banana to his more popular friend.

figurative In the world of politics, being a second banana can sometimes be more powerful than being the leader.

Grammatical Forms of second banana

• past tense: was the second banana
• plural: second bananas
• comparative: more second banana
• superlative: most second banana
• present tense: is the second banana
• future tense: will be the second banana
• perfect tense: has been the second banana
• continuous tense: is being the second banana
• singular: second banana
• positive degree: second banana
• infinitive: to be the second banana
• gerund: being the second banana
• participle: the second banana

Origin and Evolution of second banana

First Known Use: 1920 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'second banana' originated in vaudeville and burlesque theater in the United States.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the second comedian in a comedy duo, the term 'second banana' has evolved to describe a supporting or subordinate role in various contexts, not limited to entertainment.