Aunt Sally

noun

Aunt Sal·​ly -ˈsa-lē How to pronounce Aunt Sally (audio)
plural Aunt Sallies
British
: an object of criticism or contention
especially : one that is set up to invite criticism or be easily refuted

Word History

Etymology

Aunt Sally, name given to an effigy of a woman smoking a pipe set up as an amusement attraction at English fairs for patrons to throw missiles at

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aunt Sally was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near Aunt Sally

Aunt Jericho

Aunt Sally

auntsary

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Cite this Entry

“Aunt Sally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aunt%20Sally. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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