Stooges

Stooges are individuals who are used, manipulated, or exploited by others, often to perform foolish, subservient, or embarrassing acts. They are typically lacking in agency and may be unaware of the true intentions of those using them. The term often implies a lack of intelligence, initiative, or independent thought, making the 'stooge' easily controlled or taken advantage of. stooges are often used for comedic effect, as scapegoats, or to carry out deceptive schemes. Their roles frequently involve performing tasks that the manipulator does not want to undertake themselves, leaving them vulnerable to ridicule or blame.

Stooges meaning with examples

• The politician used his advisors as stooges, making them take the blame for unpopular policies while he maintained his public image. These advisors were made the fall guys for all his schemes.
• In the comedy routine, the comedian's straight man played the role of the stooge, reacting with exaggerated shock to the comedian's jokes, thereby heightening the humor and creating a foil for the comedian.
• The con artist used several stooges to create a false sense of urgency around the supposed 'opportunity' to attract more victims, making the scheme seem credible.
• During the game, the team's lack of creativity and independent thought made them a stooge team for the opponent.
• The spy employed stooges to pass information, believing the stooges did not know the seriousness of their roles.