Aunt Sally

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a person who is a ready target for criticism or focus for disputation.

Aunt Sally

/ ˈsælɪ /

noun

1. a figure of an old woman's head, typically with a clay pipe, used in fairgrounds and fêtes as a target for balls or other objects
2. any person who is a target for insults or criticism
3. something set up as a target for disagreement or attack

Word History and Origins

Origin of Aunt Sally¹

First recorded in 1860–65; so called from the figure used as a target at fairs

Example Sentences

"Well, Aunt Sally is the wisest woman in the world," replied Mrs. Bassett, with emphasis.

From Project Gutenberg

They're the best kind of pals, and of course Aunt Sally and the old professor were friends all their lives.

From Project Gutenberg

She always called him Morton, and she was Aunt Sally to him as to many hundreds of her fellow citizens.

From Project Gutenberg

Aunt Sally laughed, an amused, throaty little chuckle at this, and then the worried frown came back.

From Project Gutenberg

Highly flattered, Aunt Sally rose to lead the girls indoors to the sunny room where she kept her plants.

From Project Gutenberg