There are certain phrases and idioms that we use in our daily lives without even realizing their origin or meaning. One such phrase is “Aunt Sally.” This phrase has been around for centuries and has been used in various contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of Aunt Sally.
Definitions
Aunt Sally is a phrase that is used to describe a person or thing that is used as a target for criticism or ridicule. It can also refer to a person who is used as a scapegoat or a person who is blamed for something that they did not do.
Origin
The origin of Aunt Sally can be traced back to the 19th century in England. It was a popular game that was played in fairs and carnivals. The game involved throwing sticks or balls at a wooden figure of a woman’s head. The wooden figure was called Aunt Sally, and the aim of the game was to knock off the head of the figure with the sticks or balls.
The game was popularized in the Victorian era and became a metaphor for a person or thing that was used as a target for criticism or ridicule.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Aunt Sally has been defined in various dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines Aunt Sally as “a person or thing that is used as a target for criticism or ridicule.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a person or thing that is criticized or ridiculed unfairly.”
Associations
Aunt Sally is associated with the idea of unfair criticism and ridicule. It is also associated with the idea of scapegoating and blaming someone for something they did not do.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of Aunt Sally include whipping boy, fall guy, and sacrificial lamb.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms of Aunt Sally, but it can be used in contrast to a person or thing that is praised or admired.
The same root words
There are no specific root words for Aunt Sally, but it is believed to have originated from the game of throwing sticks or balls at a wooden figure of a woman’s head.
Example Sentences
- The politician was used as an Aunt Sally by the opposition party.
- The company used the employees as an Aunt Sally for their failure to meet the targets.
- The teacher used the student as an Aunt Sally for the poor performance of the class.