It denotes a "fall guy" and perhaps
derives from the nickname of a 1880's minstrel show character who was blamed
whenever something went wrong. What word is it?
Etymology, Etymology, and more Etymology
as well as grammar, usage, euphemism, slang, jargon, semantics, linguistics, neologism, idiom, cant, and argot.

The critically-acclaimed board game
MooT
consists of tough questions about the nuances of the English language.
Answer:
patsy
The word - perhaps - derives from the
name Patsy Bolivar, a character in an 1880's
minstrel show who is blamed whenever anything goes wrong.
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