patsy

¹

[ pat-see ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural pat·sies.

1. a person who is easily swindled, deceived, coerced, persuaded, etc.; sucker.
2. a person upon whom the blame for something falls; scapegoat; fall guy.
3. a person who is the object of a joke, ridicule, or the like.

Patsy

²

[ pat-see ]

noun

1. a male given name, form of Patrick.
2. a female given name, form of Patricia.

patsy

/ ˈpætsɪ /

noun

1. a person who is easily cheated, victimized, etc
2. a scapegoat

Word History and Origins

Origin of patsy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of patsy¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Getting rid of Notre Dame from football schedule to play a patsy?

From Los Angeles Times

And a once-Grand Old Party that long defined itself by its opposition to Russia/the Soviet Union now plays Putin’s patsy.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s the one in which Arthur’s trusted patsy, Patsy, slaps coconut halves together so the deluded king can pretend he has a horse.

From New York Times

Again, the easiest marks are the ones who don't realize they're being set up as a patsy.

From Salon

After all, she played the role of the getaway driver when he fled the process server last year, so clearly she's got a history of being a willing patsy for her husband's shady behavior.

From Salon

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