Straight Man

Pronunciation: /streɪt mæn/

Definitions of straight man

noun a man who plays the role of the serious or conventional partner in a comedy duo

Example Sentences

A1 The straight man in the comedy duo always sets up the jokes for his partner.

A2 In a traditional comedy act, the straight man plays the role of the serious and logical character.

B1 The straight man in the group is responsible for keeping everyone focused and on track.

B2 The straight man's deadpan delivery added a perfect balance to the comedian's wacky antics.

C1 As the straight man of the team, he had to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.

C2 The straight man's impeccable timing and wit elevated the entire performance to a new level.

Examples of straight man in a Sentence

formal In a comedy duo, the straight man plays the role of the serious and logical character.

informal The straight man in the group always keeps things in check when the others get too wild.

slang The straight man at the party was a real buzzkill, always trying to bring the mood down.

figurative She saw herself as the straight man in their relationship, always having to be the voice of reason.

Grammatical Forms of straight man

• past tense: straight manned
• plural: straight men
• comparative: straighter man
• superlative: straightest man
• present tense: straight man
• future tense: will be a straight man
• perfect tense: has been a straight man
• continuous tense: is being a straight man
• singular: a straight man
• positive degree: straight man
• infinitive: to be a straight man
• gerund: being a straight man
• participle: a straight man

Origin and Evolution of straight man

First Known Use: 1867 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'straight man' originated in the world of vaudeville and early comedy acts.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe the comedian in a double act who played a serious or straight role to contrast with the funny or comic role of the other performer. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to a person who sets up jokes or comedic situations for a partner or group, often in a more subtle or understated manner.