second banana

The lesser partner

Second banana is the supporting performer in a comedy duo or ensemble—the sidekick rather than the star.

The term comes from vaudeville and burlesque, where the "top banana" got the laughs and the second banana set them up.

It extends to any subordinate role: He was tired of playing second banana to his more famous brother.

subordinate

sidekick

Subordinate adventure partner

right-handOpposite of left
assistantOne who aids another
deputyAuthorized substitute or assistant

underling · junior partner · helper · aide · wingman · backup · number two · junior · associate · follower

comedy

straight man

Comedy duo's serious half

foilDefeat a plan
comedianProfessional humor performer
slapstickExaggerated physical humor

vaudeville · burlesque · sketch · double act · comic relief · gag · shtick · buffoon · funnyman · Abbott and Costello

understudy

standby

Ready substitute awaiting use

alternateOccur in succession
replacementWhat takes another's place
reserveSupply kept back

cover · swing · substitute · fill-in · bench player · spare · contingency · waiting in the wings · next in line · shadow

Categories

comedy typesclown, satire, parody, farce, slapstick
supporting rolessidekick, supporting act, understudy, understudies, stand-in
Deputiesdeputy, lieutenant, number two, vice president, deputy director

Opposites

hierarchy/status

second bananatop banana

Lead performer, informally

headliner · star · lead · leading man · leading lady

attention/spotlight

second bananacenter of attention

Who everyone notices most

marquee name · headline act · showstopper · scene-stealer · prima donna

Family

second, banana, seconds, secondly, secondary, secondarily, bananas

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G