patsy
word
/ˈpætsi/
PAT-see
/pˈætsi/
PAT-see
Definition
A "patsy" is someone who is easily tricked, taken advantage of, or blamed for something they didn't do.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes slightly old-fashioned or in legal/crime contexts. Often used to describe someone tricked into taking the blame. Can be a bit insulting—don't use as a compliment. Common collocations: "set up as a patsy", "make someone the patsy".
Spanish: chivo expiatorio - ingenuoPortuguese (BR): ingênuo - bode expiatórioPortuguese (PT): ingénuo - bode expiatórioChinese (Simplified): 替罪羊 - 容易被骗的人Chinese (Traditional): 替罪羊 - 容易被騙的人Hindi: बलि का बकरा - सीधा-साधा व्यक्तिArabic: كبش فداء - ساذجBengali: বোকা - নির্বোধ - সরলRussian: козёл отпущения - простакJapanese: カモ - 犠牲者 (ぎせいしゃ)Vietnamese: kẻ chịu trận - người bị lừaKorean: 호구 - 희생양Turkish: enayi - günah keçisiUrdu: بیوقوف - پھنسا دیا گیا آدمی (سزا کے لیے)Indonesian: kambing hitam - orang mudah tertipu
Example Sentences
Everyone thinks he’s tough, but he’s actually kind of a patsy.
natural
They set him up as the patsy, so no one would suspect them.
natural
Honestly, I was such a patsy to believe that story.
natural
They made him the patsy for the whole problem.
basic
Don't be a patsy—read the contract carefully.
basic
She felt like a patsy after being lied to by her friend.
basic