Corner Man (Noun)
Meaning
A man at one end of line of performers in a minstrel show; carries on humorous dialogue with the interlocutor.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The corner man stood at one end of the semicircle of performers, grinning at the interlocutor's witty remarks.
- In the classic minstrel show format, the corner man played the role of the affable fool, exchanging banter with the interlocutor.
- At the start of each performance, the corner man would lead the troupe in a lively song and dance number, setting the tone for the rest of the show.
- The interlocutor turned to the corner man and said, "So, have you been enjoying your leisure time in the sunny South?"
- In some shows, the corner man's jokes were ad-libbed, relying on the quick wit and verbal dexterity of the actor.