Aunt Sally

American  

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a person who is a ready target for criticism or focus for disputation.

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Aunt Sally British  

/ ˈsælɪ /

noun

1. a figure of an old woman's head, typically with a clay pipe, used in fairgrounds and fêtes as a target for balls or other objects

2. any person who is a target for insults or criticism

3. something set up as a target for disagreement or attack

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Etymology

Origin of Aunt Sally

First recorded in 1860–65; so called from the figure used as a target at fairs

Example Sentences

Let’s say you want to give Aunt Sally a gift card to a clothing store.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 30, 2022

The lost picture, which belonged to Mrs Keenan's Aunt Sally, prompted her to share a more formal image of her parent's wedding to corroborate the story.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2020

Now realize, following Aunt Sally is purely a matter of convention.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2019

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally West Coast premiere of Kevin Armento’s coming-of-age drama narrated by a troubled teen’s cellphone.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2017

Already the Aunt Sally of the hour; having under pressure of circumstances resigned my office; dating my letters from the borders of the Chiltern Hundreds . . .

From Three Plays by Granville-Barker The Marrying of Ann Leete; The Voysey Inheritance; Waste by Granville-Barker, Harley