laughing stock
B2informal, sometimes humorous
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing that is ridiculed and made to seem foolish by others.
A subject of general mockery or derision, often due to repeated failures, ridiculous behaviour, or unfortunate circumstances that invite public scorn.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is an uncountable noun phrase. It implies a state of being the object of laughter, not the act of laughing itself. It carries a strong negative connotation of humiliation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The term is equally common and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of ridicule and humiliation.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] be/become/turn into a laughing stock[Agent] make [Object] a laughing stocka laughing stock of [Group/Place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be the butt of the joke”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe a company or executive whose failed strategy or public blunder has made them a subject of industry mockery.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; more likely in informal discourse about academic politics or a discredited theory.
Everyday
Common in discussing public figures, celebrities, or personal social blunders.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The team were utterly laughed off the park.
American English
- The proposal was laughed out of the committee.
adverb
British English
- They laughed uproariously at his misfortune.
American English
- The crowd reacted laughingly to the gaffe.
adjective
British English
- He gave a laughable performance.
American English
- Her excuse was simply laughable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- His silly hat made him a laughing stock at school.
- After the failed product launch, the company became a laughing stock.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STOCK (a wooden post) in the town square where people are LAUGHING at someone who is tied to it for public ridicule.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A THEATER (the person is a stock prop for laughter).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate word-for-word as *'смеющийся запас'*. The correct equivalent is 'посмешище'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., 'He felt very laughing stock'). It is only a noun phrase. Incorrect pluralisation (*'laughing stocks'*) is rare but possible in specific contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'laughing stock'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be used for both people and things (e.g., companies, policies, projects).
It dates to the early 16th century. 'Stock' refers to a wooden post or block, akin to the 'stocks' used to publicly restrain criminals for mockery.
Yes, 'laughingstock' is a common alternative closed form, especially in American English.
It is informal. In formal writing, alternatives like 'object of derision' or 'subject of ridicule' are preferred.