Laughingstock

A laughingstock is a person or thing that is the object of ridicule or amusement. It is someone or something that is considered foolish, absurd, or incompetent, leading others to laugh at their expense. This often stems from a public display of incompetence, a series of unfortunate events, or a significant blunder. The term implies a loss of respect and dignity, with the person or thing becoming a subject of widespread mockery. The consequences can be significant, impacting relationships, career prospects, and self-esteem. Being labeled a laughingstock often results in social isolation and a damaged reputation. It can apply to individuals, groups, organizations, or even ideas and proposals that are deemed ridiculous. The enduring nature of the term suggests the lasting impression of the perceived foolishness and the difficulty in overcoming such public perception.

Laughingstock meaning with examples

• After the disastrous presentation where he mixed up crucial facts, John quickly became the office laughingstock. Colleagues snickered in the break room, and his ideas were no longer taken seriously. The incident had a lasting effect on his career, making it difficult to regain trust and respect from his superiors and peers, leading to feelings of humiliation and social isolation.
• The company's failed advertising campaign, which featured absurd and irrelevant content, turned the brand into a national laughingstock. Social media users mercilessly mocked the commercials, causing significant damage to the company's reputation and sales. Their clumsy attempts at a comeback only further cemented their status, becoming the subject of parody and ridicule.
• When the politician's controversial comments went viral, he immediately became the political laughingstock. His opponents capitalized on his missteps, using them to fuel their campaigns and undermine his credibility. News outlets and commentators seized the opportunity to analyze and critique his every move, solidifying his image as someone to be scorned and disregarded.
• The poorly constructed and underfunded project quickly became the laughingstock of the engineering department. The project's flaws were exposed during a key demonstration, resulting in widespread embarrassment for the team. The lack of proper planning and oversight made the project's outcome a source of endless amusement for anyone who knew the inner workings.
• Her attempts at singing and dancing during the talent show, lacking any skill or rhythm, quickly turned her into the school's laughingstock. Despite her best efforts, the audience erupted in laughter, and the event became a source of embarrassment for years to come. The painful memories of the humiliating experience lingered.