1. someone subjected to mockery or ridicule
Professional
Social
make a laughing stock of someone
Someone or something that is a 'laughing stock' is silly or subject to others laughing at them or being ridiculed by others. This has a negative connotation in that the laughter is usually mocking. This phrase can be used in social contexts. "Don't wear that jacket outside. You look ridiculous, you'll be a laughing stock." It can also be used in professional contexts. "We can't release a program with this many bugs in it. We'll be a laughing stock." Similar in meaning to 'the butt of the joke'.