second banana
The term "second banana" originated from vaudeville and burlesque theater, referring to someone in a supporting role, often providing comedic relief.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Comedy
(idiomatic, informal)A comedian or actor who plays a supporting role, especially as a straight man.
Example
- In the classic duo, one comedian was always the second banana, setting up jokes for the lead.
B2General
(idiomatic, informal)A person who serves in a supporting or secondary capacity, often as an assistant or deputy.
Example
- He was content being the second banana, letting his boss take the spotlight.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "second banana":
second fiddlesecond besttop bananasecond stringthird stringback burnerthird placenumber two