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

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

Nick Millea, organiser of the Charlbury Beer Festival, which hosts the grandiosely-titled Aunt Sally World Championships, describes it as a "really sociable game".

From BBC • Aug. 11, 2017

The visit had been arranged by telephone, and as the interviewer neared the home, Aunt Sally could be seen standing, on the front porch, eagerly watching and waiting.

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