How to Memorize

make a laughing stock of someone

Analysis

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'.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. The player's consistent mistakes made him a laughing stock amongst the team.
2. The poorly made advertisement turned the business into a laughing stock.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. Releasing a product that was clearly inferior to its competitors' latest release turned the company into a laughing stock.
2. Being unprepared for the presentation made me look like a complete laughing stock in front of the client.

Further Suggestions