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

“I looked around, and I saw my Aunt Maureen crying. And my Aunt Sally crying. I saw my mom crying. And I just broke.”

From New York Times • Aug. 26, 2020

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

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

Could it be possible that she, a healthy little girl, was growing fidgety, like Aunt Sally Benton, who sometimes came to visit her son and help with the sewing?

From Jessica Trent: Her Life on a Ranch by Raymond, Evelyn