hard figure
n.— «Some might call Clappy a dummy for not taking such a high-profile part in a Hollywood movie. But you’re not supposed to call him that. The proper term is “hard figure,” those in the ventriloquism trade say. Clappy is a ventriloquist’s doll.» —“The Kid Quits the Picture” by Allen Salkin New York Times July 29, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Imagine telling someone how to get to your home, but without using the name of your street, or any other street within ten miles. Could you do it? We take street names for granted, but these words are useful for far more, like applying for a job or...
Understanding the varieties of conversational styles can mean the difference between feeling you’re understood and being insulted. “High-involvement” speakers interrupt or talk along with someone else to signal their enthusiasm...