Definition of laughing stock

The expression "laughing stock" refers to an object, person, or group of people who are ridiculed, derided, or openly mocked. The phrase has its origins in the English language in the early 19th century. The term "laughing stock" is a figurative expression that draws from the agricultural practice of keeping animals to be used for slaughter. In pastoral farming, farmers would keep their young, healthy animals as "stock," which provided the desired source of income. However, the sickly, malformed or weak animals, unable to contribute to the farm, were often left unattended and left to suffer in contrast to the strong and healthy ones. The other animals in the herd, seeing these weak animals, would make fun of and laugh at them - leading to the term "laughing stock." With time, the term was adopted to describe people or situations meant to evoke ridicule or amplified laughter. The expression was often used in relation to comedic or satirical works in literature and theater, where the primary incoming intention was to have the audience laugh. In contemporary usage, "laughing stock" is often used to characterize individuals who are repeatedly ridiculed for their shortcomings, mistakes, peculiarities or perceived foolishness. In summary, "laughing stock" is a historic expression originally derived from the concept of the weakest animals in a farming practice, now commonly used to describe people or situations that are subjected to bouts of derision or ridicule.