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stooge

noun

/stuːdʒ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of stooge

A person who is used by another to perform menial or unpleasant tasks.
"He was used as a stooge by the politician to deliver false information."

Detailed meaning of stooge

This sense of the term is often used in the context of work or labor, where a "stooge" might be a subordinate or entry-level employee who is assigned to do tasks that are deemed less desirable by their superiors. For example, a "stooge" in a factory might be responsible for sweeping the floors or cleaning up after other workers, while a "stooge" in an office might be tasked with filing or data entry. The term "stooge" in this sense can carry a somewhat negative connotation, as it suggests that the person in question is being used or exploited for the benefit of others. However, it can also be a neutral or even affectionate term in some contexts, such as among coworkers who share a common understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities. Overall, the noun "stooge" as a subordinate used by another to do unpleasant routine work is typically associated with the idea of low-status or unskilled labor.

Example sentences containing stooge

1. The comedian used a stooge in the audience for his act.
2. He was a stooge for the mob and carried out their illegal activities.
3. She was a stooge for the company and leaked confidential information to competitors.
4. The spy used a stooge to gather intelligence.
5. He was a stooge for the prank and pretended to be injured.
6. She was a stooge in the magic trick and helped the magician with the illusion.

History and etymology of stooge

The noun 'stooge' has its etymological origins in the theater and entertainment industry, particularly in the context of comedies. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th or early 20th century and is thought to be of uncertain origin. In the world of comedy, a 'stooge' is a person who plays a subordinate or supporting role, often serving as a target for jokes or pranks. They are typically used by another performer, such as a comedian, to perform menial or unpleasant tasks in a comedic or slapstick manner. The term 'stooge' has since expanded beyond the entertainment industry to describe anyone who is manipulated or used by another person, often in a demeaning or subservient way. While the exact etymology of 'stooge' remains somewhat unclear, its association with the world of comedy and the idea of someone playing a subservient or foolish role is central to its meaning.

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Further usage examples of stooge

1. He was a stooge for the con artist and helped with the scam.
2. The detective used a stooge to gather evidence against the suspect.
3. She was a stooge in the political campaign and spread false information about the opponent.
4. He was a stooge for the hacker and helped to infiltrate computer systems.
5. The security used a stooge to test the effectiveness of their measures.
6. He's just a stooge for the boss, always doing the grunt work.
7. Don't be a stooge; stand up for yourself!
8. She felt like the office stooge, stuck with all the paperwork.
9. He's tired of being treated like a stooge by his so-called friends.
10. The manager made him the stooge for every tedious assignment.
11. She won't be anyone's stooge, always taking orders without question.
12. He refuses to be a stooge in their scheme.
13. They treated him like a stooge, giving him all the dirty jobs.
14. He's not just a stooge; he has ideas and skills to offer.
15. She's no one's stooge; she's a capable and independent worker.
16. They tried to make him the stooge in their prank, but he outsmarted them.
17. Being the stooge in their plan was not his idea of fun.
18. He was tired of being the stooge in their group, always doing the boring tasks.
19. She won't play the stooge in their game; she's too clever for that.
20. He was fed up with being the stooge who got blamed for everything.
21. They thought he was just a stooge, but he surprised them with his talents.
22. Being the stooge in their act was not what he had in mind.
23. He's not just a stooge; he's a valuable member of the team.
24. She refused to be the stooge in their little charade.
25. They tried to make him the stooge, but he turned the tables on them.