What does patsy mean?
A patsy is a person who is easily deceived, manipulated, or made to accept responsibility for someone else's mistake. The word is informal and usually derogatory: calling someone a patsy suggests that they are gullible, weak, or unfairly used. It is especially common in North American English, particularly in political and journalistic contexts, where a person or group may be described as a patsy for failing to prevent a crisis, although the expression can also suggest that the person is being deliberately set up to take the blame. In conversation, the term is often more pointed than a neutral description such as “a person who was cheated.” Its usefulness lies in capturing a familiar social situation in which someone is manipulated or made to bear consequences that properly belong to others. It should generally be used with care because it can seriously undermine someone's reputation.
nounA person who is easily deceived, manipulated, or blamed for the mistakes of others. The term is informal and often derogatory.
- A person who is easily deceived or manipulated.
- A person who is made to take the blame for another's mistake or failure.
"The experienced negotiator made sure no one else would be left as the patsy for the failure."
"He was a patsy who believed every promise the salesman made."
"The report avoided making the junior employee the patsy for the team's poor decisions."
The plural is used in the same way as the singular and is usually informal and derogatory.
"The political leaders sought scapegoats to use as patsies for the crisis."
A patsy is not merely someone who makes a mistake, but someone who can be made to carry the blame.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patsy come from?
The word is commonly traced to “Patsy,” a familiar form of the name Patrick, and in earlier use could refer to a gullible or simple person. Its modern figurative sense developed from that older association, with the word becoming especially established in North American English during the early 20th century. The name elements in Patrick, Patricia, and patrician ultimately derive from the Latin name Patricius.
How patsy is actually used
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned in general use, but common in North American political, journalistic, and everyday speech. It is usually insulting and can imply that the person is gullible, weak, or undeserving of blame.