3

If someone is being used or employed as entertainment to help someone else pass their time at work, but only in this capacity, what word or expression can be used to describe this?

This other (working) person does not want to see or talk to the entertainer person outside of work.

I have heard "muse" but I don't think that is the right definition when I looked it up.

Improve this question
4
  • Does eye candy fit? Maybe distraction.
    – Barmar
    Commented Oct 21, 2014 at 18:52
  • Upset? As in, do you wish the person would want to spend time with you outside of work? ;)
    – pazzo
    Commented Oct 21, 2014 at 18:55
  • In several different contexts "prostitute" might fit.
    – Hot Licks
    Commented Oct 22, 2014 at 1:41
  • @HotLicks, relevant username? ;)
    – Moo-Juice
    Commented Oct 22, 2014 at 7:21

5 Answers 5

Reset to default
1

I believe you have the answer right there in your question.

You're being employed as a distraction.

EDIT: I am aware that distraction tends to have negative connotations. That said, given that this person appears to only want you to be around at work to help him pass the time faster at work, and not in his social life, the entire situation appears negative (for you at least), and so it might be fitting, although Kris' answer "an amusement" is more negative towards you, whereas "distraction" might imply it is negative to this other guy.

Improve this answer
0

An object of entertainment?

Plaything, perhaps?

The OP's guess of 'muse' is close, though wrong: maybe, 'an amusement.'

Improve this answer
0

I believe the term to use is work spouse

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    It would be helpful if you gave a reference for this term, or used it in a sentence as an example.
    – Theresa
    Commented Oct 21, 2014 at 20:08
0

I'd say you were just a hobby.

Improve this answer
0

I'd say fool, kings often had a fool on hand for entertainment. This person was considered a living joke, was treated poorly, and may even have been humiliated just to relieve a king's boredom.

a professional jester, formerly kept by a person of royal or noble rank for amusement

Comic entertainer whose madness or imbecility, real or pretended, made him a source of amusement

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .