Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase-
“A laughing stock”
a) An object of ridicule
b) Stock of stolen goods
c) Stock of wit
d) Stock of laughter

Answer 1

Hint: The dictionary meaning of laughing stock is a person subjected to general mockery ridicule. For example: She was the laughing stock of her class.

Complete answer:
“Laughing stock” is a noun. It is a person who is an object of ridicule; who is publicly ridiculed. For example, Her insufferable sense of entitlement has turned her into a laughing stock. In the given question we have to tell the correct meaning of this phrase.
Now, let us examine all the given options and find out the correct answer:
Option ‘a’ is An object of ridicule. Objective ridicule is a person who is ridiculed publicly. Ridicule means the subjection of someone or something to contemptuous and dismissive language or behavior. For example, He is an object of ridicule for his friends.
Option ‘b’ is a Stock of stolen goods. A stock of stolen goods is a crime of possession of goods which one knows or which any reasonable person would realize were stolen. It is generally a felony. In ancient times possession is not a crime but the goods are generally returned to the legal owner.
Option ‘c’ is Stock of wit. Wit is a noun which means the capacity for innovative thought and quick understanding; keen intelligence. The stock of wit may mean a person who is witty.
Option ‘d’ is Stock of laughter. A stock of laughter is something at which everyone laughs. It may not mean a particular person. This option may sound similar to the given phrase but is not the correct answer.
As we have analyzed all the given options, we can easily figure out the correct option. Here, the correct meaning of the given phrase, “a laughing stock” is “an object of ridicule”.So, the correct answer is “Option a”.

Note:
Do not get confused between “an object of ridicule” and “a stock of laughter”. A stock of laughter may sound similar to the given phrase but it does not mean that a person is ridiculed.