straight man

== English == === Pronunciation === Compound noun IPA(key): /ˈstɹeɪtˌmæn/ Sum of parts sense IPA(key): /ˌstɹeɪt ˈmæn/, IPA(key): /ˈstɹeɪt ˌmæn/ (variable per prosodic emphasis in each clause) === Noun === straight man (plural straight men) (idiomatic) A member (of any gender) of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in dialog with another comedian playing a more eccentric or otherwise more interesting character; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy. Synonyms: setup man, stooge, second banana Coordinate term: straight woman Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see straight,‎ man; for example, a heterosexual man. ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====