straight man: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, absolutely. While the traditional term uses 'man', the role is gender-neutral. Phrases like 'straight woman', 'playing the straight role', or simply 'straight man' (applied to any gender) are all used. The function, not the gender, defines it.

No, it is a skilled acting and timing role. A good straight man must listen, react authentically, and deliver lines with precise timing and tone to make the partner's joke land effectively. Poor timing can ruin the joke.

They are very similar. A 'foil' is a broader literary term for any character who contrasts with another to highlight particular qualities. A 'straight man' is a specific type of foil used almost exclusively in comedy for the purpose of generating humor through contrast.

Typically, no. The dynamic relies on a clear contrast between the serious one(s) and the funny one(s). If multiple people adopt the 'straight' role, the comedic focus dissipates. However, a group might have one primary straight man reacting to multiple comedians.

A performer in a comedy duo who delivers serious or rational lines to set up jokes for their partner (the 'funny man'), creating humor through contrast.

Straight man is usually informal / colloquial; primarily used in entertainment contexts, social commentary, and humor analysis. in register.

Straight man: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈmæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstreɪt ˈmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.