Definitions
- Referring to a person who is easily tricked or manipulated into taking the blame for someone else's actions. - Talking about a person who is used as a pawn or a scapegoat in a situation. - Describing a person who is set up to take the fall for a crime or wrongdoing.
- Referring to a person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or wrongdoings of others. - Talking about a person who is unfairly held responsible for a situation or problem. - Describing a person who is made to bear the consequences of someone else's actions.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words refer to a person who is blamed or punished for something they did not do.
- 2Both words imply unfair treatment or injustice towards the person.
- 3Both words can be used in situations where someone else is trying to avoid responsibility or consequences.
- 4Both words have negative connotations and are often used in a critical or accusatory tone.
What is the difference?
- 1Intention: Patsy implies that the person was tricked or manipulated into taking the blame, while scapegoat suggests that the person was intentionally chosen to bear the responsibility.
- 2Usage: Patsy is more commonly used in informal contexts, while scapegoat can be used in both formal and informal settings.
- 3Connotation: Patsy has a slightly less severe connotation than scapegoat, which implies a more serious level of blame or punishment.
- 4Frequency: Scapegoat is a more common word than patsy in everyday language.
Remember this!
Patsy and scapegoat are both words used to describe a person who is unfairly blamed or punished for something they did not do. However, patsy implies that the person was tricked or manipulated into taking the blame, while scapegoat suggests that the person was intentionally chosen to bear the responsibility. Additionally, scapegoat is a more common word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
