Straight man Meaning in English
expression
Definition
In comedy, a "straight man" is the serious partner in a double act who sets up jokes for the funny one. It also refers to a man who is heterosexual.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used in comedy contexts, with 'straight man' as the serious partner opposite the comedian ('funny man' or 'comic'). Also used (less formally) for men who are heterosexual, but usage can feel outdated or clinical. Typically not used to describe serious people in everyday life outside of acts.
Example Sentences
He plays the straight man in their comedy duo.
basic
The straight man helps the comedian make jokes even funnier.
basic
Sometimes, people call a heterosexual man a straight man.
basic
I'm the straight man, so I keep a serious face while my friend tells all the jokes.
natural
Without a good straight man, the punchlines just don't land as well in a comedy act.
natural
In his old sketches, he was always the straight man, reacting to absurd situations with a blank stare.
natural