patsy

pat-sy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (informal) A person who is easily taken advantage of, especially by being blamed for something or made to take the fall for others.

  2. 2.

    A person who is deceived or victimized.

Forms

plural: patsies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    be somebody's patsy — to be manipulated or used by someone
  • •
    set up as a patsy — to arrange for someone to take the blame

Related words

Antonyms: mastermind, perpetrator
See also: dupe, scapegoat, victim
Synonyms: dupe, fall guy, scapegoat, sucker

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly from Italian pazzo ("fool, madman") or from the given name Patsy. First recorded in American English in the late 19th century in theatrical slang.