straight man
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
[edit] English
[edit] Noun
straight man (plural straight men)
- (idiomatic) A member of a team of comic performers who plays a supporting role by helping to set up jokes and punch lines through engaging in preparatory dialog with the principal comedian; a foil who plays such a role in theatrical comedy.
- For many years Bud Abbott served brilliantly as Lou Costello's deadpan straight man.
