stooge

word

Definition

A stooge is a person who is used by someone more powerful, often to do stupid or unimportant work, or to be easily controlled.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal, sometimes insulting. Often used to describe someone who blindly follows orders or acts like a puppet for another, especially in politics or entertainment. In comedy, a 'stooge' may be the character who is made the butt of jokes, as in 'The Three Stooges.' Not typically used to mean 'friend' or 'partner.'

Example Sentences

The villain used his stooges to do his dirty work.

basic

They treated him like a stooge and never listened to his ideas.

basic

In the comedy show, he always plays the stooge who gets tricked.

natural

Everyone knows he's just a political stooge for the mayor.

natural

He acted like a stooge for his boss.

basic

Don't be such a stooge—think for yourself!

natural