second banana

Definition

A comedian who plays a secondary or supporting role, especially as straight man and traditionally in vaudeville or burlesque theatre.

Example Sentences

• "He grew disenchanted with playing second banana and never getting credit for the laughter."
• "The plumber left his second banana behind, to finish installing my new sink."
• "When you want to be the boss, but you can't, it's not a lot of fun to be second banana."