Meanings
How to pronounce "straight man":
AU
A member (of any gender) of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in dialog with another comedian playing a more eccentric or otherwise more interesting character; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy.
Example: "For many years Bud Abbott served brilliantly as Lou Costello's deadpan straight man."
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see straight, man; for example, a heterosexual man.
Example Sentences
1
In a comedy duo, one person plays the straight man, while the other delivers the punchlines.
2
He's always the straight man in our group of friends, making sure things stay organized and on track.
3
The straight man in the movie provided the perfect balance to the wackiness of the other characters.
4
When it comes to jokes, I'm usually the straight man, setting up the comedic timing for others to deliver the punchline.
5
In a comedic skit, the straight man's role is often to react in a deadpan manner to the absurdity happening around them.
