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

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

Arthur Taylor, author of Played at the Pub, suggests Aunt Sally - which is played in Oxfordshire and parts of Buckinghamshire - has rather grisly origins.

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2017

Aunt Sally had been informed that the reporter was intending to call on her the following day and she was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the visitor.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume X, Missouri Narratives by United States. Work Projects Administration