patsy
UK[ˈpætsi]US[ˈpætsi]
n
a person who is easily cheated, deceived, or blamed for something, especially one who is set up to take the blame for others.
Etymology
the origin of 'patsy' is uncertain but it emerged in american english around the late 19th century. one prominent theory suggests it derives from the italian name 'pazzo', meaning 'fool' or 'madman', possibly via italian-american slang. another theory links it to the irish name 'paddy', used as a generic term for an irishman and later stereotyped as a dupe. the word's journey reflects the process where a personal name becomes a common noun embodying a cultural stereotype of gullibility, solidifying its meaning as an easy victim or scapegoat.
Analysis
the word 'patsy' is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
he was just a patsy, set up by the real criminals to take the fall.
in the conspiracy, they needed a patsy to carry out the public part of the scheme.
don't be a patsy for their dishonest sales tactics.