Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like everyone was making fun of you? If so, you might have been a “laughing stock.” This idiom is commonly used to describe someone or something that is the subject of ridicule or mockery.
The Butt of the Joke
When someone is called a “laughing stock,” it means that they are being laughed at by many people, often in a public setting. This idiom is typically used when the person or thing being mocked is seen as foolish, ridiculous, or absurd. For example, if a politician makes a series of embarrassing gaffes during a speech, they might become the laughing stock of the media and the public.
A Biblical Tale of Mockery
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head. – Psalm 22:6-7
The phrase “laughing stock” has its roots in the Bible. In the Old Testament, there are several instances where people are mocked or ridiculed by others. In Psalm 22, King David laments that he has become a “reproach of men” and that those who see him “laugh me to scorn.” This passage highlights the idea of being publicly mocked and ridiculed, which is at the core of the “laughing stock” idiom.
Other Ways to Say It
While “laughing stock” is a common idiom, there are other phrases that convey a similar meaning. For example, someone might be described as a “joke” or a “mockery” if they are being ridiculed by others. Another related idiom is “to make a fool of oneself,” which means to do something that causes others to laugh at you or think less of you.
In conclusion, being a “laughing stock” is never a pleasant experience. Whether it’s due to a mistake, an embarrassing moment, or simply being different from others, being mocked and ridiculed can be hurtful and damaging to one’s self-esteem. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s okay to laugh at ourselves sometimes. After all, life is too short to take ourselves too seriously all the time.
Reference: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2022%3A6-7&version=NIV