straight man

noun

1. an entertainer who plays the part of a foil for a comic partner.

straight man

noun

1. a subsidiary actor who acts as stooge to a comedian

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight man¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It’s a lot more development than I think many people would have expected for this character who, in the sitcom, functions as the straight man.

From Los Angeles Times

But he has grown into his role at “Saturday Night Live,” proving to be an especially strong straight man adept at the comedy of embarrassment.

From New York Times

It's certainly not about pleasure, except the straight man's pleasure in exerting control over women.

From Salon

“I’ve spent more time in the closet than any straight man in San Francisco, but that’s just to choose my wardrobe,” the dapper former mayor of the city says in his 2008 memoir, “Basic Brown.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Braugher plays his part straight without actually being a straight man and grounds the wackiness,” television critic Robert Lloyd wrote in his review of the show.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sidekick