Rodney Dangerfield

English

Etymology

After stand-up comedian Rodney Dangerfield, who used the catchphrase "I don't get no respect!" and delivered monologues on that theme.

Noun

Rodney Dangerfield (plural Rodney Dangerfields)

1. (informal) Someone who is disrespected.
   • 1995, Outdoor Delaware, volumes 4-5, page 11:

     Hard Times for Horseshoe Crabs
     After millions of years, these Rodney Dangerfields of the aquatic kingdom are finally getting some overdue respect.

   • 1998, Illinois Issues, volume 24, page 22:

     These Rodney Dangerfields of statewide office face a more immediate challenge in the next few days: capturing voters' attention.

   • 2011, Mike Veseth, Wine Wars, page 187:

     They were the victims, you see, of the Curse of the Blue Nun, which tainted the markets for their products for years. That's why they are the Rodney Dangerfield of wines.