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

Perhaps it’s time to stop excusing dear Aunt Sally and instead embrace her.

From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2019

Then prime minister David Cameron gave Aunt Sally a go at the festival in 2011, and Mr Millea believes the game is here to stay.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2017

In 1945's "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," for instance, Blondell gives a lively but rounded and modulated performance as uninhibited but caring Aunt Sally in Elia Kazan’s naturalistic feature debut.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 28, 2016

I must spend the winter with Aunt Sally and the spring with Cousin Kate.

From Molly Brown's College Friends by Speed, Nell