What Does Second Fiddle Mean?

Throughout the history of filmmaking and the film industry there have been many different terms given to the various roles, responsibilities, and situations that take place on the film set. Since 1939, the term second fiddle is one of several alternative meaning terms that has been bounced around film sets among cast and crew. Learning all this terminology is incredibly challenging to newbie filmmakers. What does second fiddle mean anyway?

What Does Second Fiddle Mean?

The term “second fiddle” in the film industry is given to actors or cast members that play a subordinate role which is secondary to another actor or actress.

The use of terminology like “second fiddle’ comes from a phrase that was originally used in Orchestra. To define the player that was ignored in relation to someone with more importance despite putting in just as much effort. 

Comedy Films

In comedies, second fiddle is a reference to the performer that acts as the sidekick to the main or lead performer which is recognized as the straight man. The second fiddle was sometimes referred to as the second banana or the stooge in comedy films.

You might have heard this term used in the following context, “I’m not prepared to play second fiddle anymore,” or “I’m tired of playing second fiddle to (insert name here).”

Throughout filmmaking the metaphor is used in description of having a less than important role. Despite being equally as qualified and working equally as hard.

A British Film by Maurice Elvey

In addition to the second fiddle meaning a role of lesser recognition like a sidekick, the term “second fiddle” is also the title of a 19576 British film. Produced by Maurice Elvey and comes after the same Orchestra. Meaning that backs the saying in the film industry. 

The title, “Second Fiddle,” represented symbolic underlying meaning. But this wasn’t the only reason this film became so widely recognized for its time.

The Second Fiddle had a captivating plot for its time. Much of the plot circled around the husband feeling “second best” which is the reason behind the title.

In Summation

So, what does second fiddle mean? The term is used to describe being ignored in relation to someone that is more important, or seemingly important.

Despite doing one’s best and providing just as much work as the next individual. It’s also sort of like being the sidekick, or the second banana.