Aunt Sally
Pronunciation
/ˈænt sˈæli/

Definition & Meaning of "Aunt Sally"in English

Aunt Sally
01

a traditional English game where players try to knock a doll named "Aunt Sally" off a stand by throwing sticks or balls

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
complex compound
proper

What is "Aunt Sally"?

Aunt Sally is a traditional pub game from England that dates back to the 17th century and was originally played at fairs. The game involves throwing wooden sticks, called "dolls," at a wooden peg, known as "the dolly," which is placed on a stand. The aim is to knock the dolly off without hitting the stand. Each successful hit scores a point, and players take turns to compete. Aunt Sally requires skill, precision, and practice to master the throws. It remains a popular social game in some regions.

Examples
We played Aunt Sally at the village fair last weekend and had a great time.
02

an imaginary person or thing often criticized or blamed in discussions or arguments

Dialectbritish flagBritish
Examples
In the office banter, coworkers affectionately referred to the outdated coffee machine as " Aunt Sally, " jokingly blaming it for their caffeine-related woes.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

App Store