Second banana

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Second banana has two meanings.

  • It may refer to one person who is subordinate to another, such as a vice president, or to a person that has a role that he/she is not fitted in.
  • Second banana can also refer to someone who serves as a comic foil opposing a comedian in a double act.

The term derives from the burlesque era of the 1950s, where the slang term "banana" referred to a comedian. In the original sketch, the comedian who delivered the punchline also received a banana. In the I Love Lucy show, Lucille Ball was the top banana, and Desi Arnaz was the second banana.

A related term is "second fiddle".

[edit] See Also


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