stooge

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Psychology Technical

n. a person who pretends to be a normal member of the public but is actually working for a magician or a researcher.

n. a confederate or assistant who poses as a neutral bystander or participant to facilitate a deception or experimental outcome.

“The magician asked for a volunteer, but the person who stood up was actually a stooge.”

“In the social psychology experiment, a stooge was planted in the group to see if the real participants would conform to his incorrect answers.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Theater Informal

n. the person in a comedy team who acts serious so that the other person can be funny.

n. the 'straight man' in a comedy duo who serves as a foil for the lead comedian's jokes.

“He played the stooge in the comedy act, taking all the pies to the face while his partner got the laughs.”

“The classic double act relies on a competent stooge who can maintain a deadpan expression despite the absurdity of the lead performer.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal

v. to work for someone else as a helper or to do their boring or dishonest work.

v. to perform the role of a subordinate or a straight man; to act as a stooge for another.

“He spent years stooging for the local boss before he finally got a promotion.”

“The junior associate was tired of stooging for the senior partners and decided to start his own firm.”