slapstick

noun

slap·stick ˈslap-ˌstik How to pronounce slapstick (audio)

: a device made of two flat pieces of wood fastened at one end so as to make a loud noise when used by an actor to strike a person

: comedy stressing farce and horseplay

also : activity resembling slapstick

slapstick adjective

slapsticky

ˈslap-ˌsti-kē How to pronounce slapstick (audio)

adjective

Did you know?

The idea that knocking people about made for good comedy dates as far back as the Greco-Roman theater, where clowns rambunctiously "attacked" one another onstage. The object from which the word slapstick derives, however, was invented in Italy in the 16th century. Renaissance comedy typically featured stock characters placed in ridiculous situations, and one such ubiquitous character was Harlequin, whose brilliant costuming made him easily recognizable. Harlequin was given to wielding a paddle which was designed to make a terrible noise when he hit someone, usually to the delight of the audience. This paddle was eventually known in English as a "slapstick," and it became a symbol of that type of highly physical comedy. The word slapstick then came to refer to the comedy itself.

Example Sentences

an actor whose roles range from slapstick to serious drama a lowbrow comedy that relies heavily on slapstick for its laughs

Recent Examples on the Web Another author might have played the idea for slapstick or suspense.

Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, The Atlantic, 31 Aug. 2022 Colorful, fast-paced and filled with slapstick and silliness, The Monkees embodied the rebellious sensibilities of a younger generation.

Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2022 If anything, the jokes that are supposed to please adults are even weaker than the slapstick.

Kyle Smith, WSJ, 28 July 2022 The movie could have used more of their exchanges with Rita, and less of such strained slapstick as Rita’s Pilates misadventure.

Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Aug. 2022 The last two decades have brought dozens of other spy-movie send-ups, from the ultraviolent Kingsman franchise to Melissa McCarthy's delightful slapstick in Spy.

Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 19 July 2022 Bottom’s acting troupe, meanwhile, provides low comedy of the highest order, as the bickering performers rehearse their play with a heaping dose of vaudevillian slapstick.

Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 4 July 2022 This endlessly quotable film is full of ludicrous left turns and rapid-fire punchlines, but underneath all the slapstick lies a warm and fuzzy center.

Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 June 2022 Despite training as a serious Shakespearean actor, Varney found breakout success with the goofball slapstick of the Ernest movies.

Brendan Mcaleer, Car and Driver, 21 May 2022 See More

单词	slapstick
释义	slapstick noun slap·stick ˈslap-ˌstik 1 : a device made of two flat pieces of wood fastened at one end so as to make a loud noise when used by an actor to strike a person 2 : comedy stressing farce and horseplay also : activity resembling slapstick slapstick adjective slapsticky ˈslap-ˌsti-kē adjective Did you know? The idea that knocking people about made for good comedy dates as far back as the Greco-Roman theater, where clowns rambunctiously "attacked" one another onstage. The object from which the word slapstick derives, however, was invented in Italy in the 16th century. Renaissance comedy typically featured stock characters placed in ridiculous situations, and one such ubiquitous character was Harlequin, whose brilliant costuming made him easily recognizable. Harlequin was given to wielding a paddle which was designed to make a terrible noise when he hit someone, usually to the delight of the audience. This paddle was eventually known in English as a "slapstick," and it became a symbol of that type of highly physical comedy. The word slapstick then came to refer to the comedy itself. Synonyms comedy farce humor See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences an actor whose roles range from slapstick to serious drama a lowbrow comedy that relies heavily on slapstick for its laughs Recent Examples on the Web Another author might have played the idea for slapstick or suspense. Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, The Atlantic, 31 Aug. 2022 Colorful, fast-paced and filled with slapstick and silliness, The Monkees embodied the rebellious sensibilities of a younger generation. Chris Koseluk, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 July 2022 If anything, the jokes that are supposed to please adults are even weaker than the slapstick. Kyle Smith, WSJ, 28 July 2022 The movie could have used more of their exchanges with Rita, and less of such strained slapstick as Rita’s Pilates misadventure. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Aug. 2022 The last two decades have brought dozens of other spy-movie send-ups, from the ultraviolent Kingsman franchise to Melissa McCarthy's delightful slapstick in Spy. Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 19 July 2022 Bottom’s acting troupe, meanwhile, provides low comedy of the highest order, as the bickering performers rehearse their play with a heaping dose of vaudevillian slapstick. Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 4 July 2022 This endlessly quotable film is full of ludicrous left turns and rapid-fire punchlines, but underneath all the slapstick lies a warm and fuzzy center. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 23 June 2022 Despite training as a serious Shakespearean actor, Varney found breakout success with the goofball slapstick of the Ernest movies. Brendan Mcaleer, Car and Driver, 21 May 2022 See More Word History First Known Use 1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1 slapstick 1 of 2 noun 1 as in comedy humorous entertainment an actor whose roles range from slapstick to serious drama Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance comedy humor satire farce parody burlesque fun knockabout improv banter drollery low comedy high comedy horseplay persiflage wit stand-up foolery shenanigan(s) monkeyshine(s) 2 as in clowning wildly playful or mischievous behavior a lowbrow comedy that relies heavily on slapstick for its laughs Synonyms & Similar Words clowning buffoonery joking tomfoolery horseplay hijinks funning clownery roughhousing playfulness monkeying roughhouse foolery silliness skylarking high jinks monkey business shenanigan(s) horsing around mischief monkeyshine(s) jesting clownishness nonsense boisterousness childishness trickery rambunctiousness waggery rowdyism frivolity roguishness rowdiness sporting foolishness merrymaking impishness rascality mischievousness revelry roistering prankishness romping frolicking roguery sportiveness cavorting deviltry devilry gamboling knavery rumbustiousness gambolling slapstick 2 of 2 adjective as in knockabout Synonyms & Similar Words knockabout slapsticky zany clownish amusing entertaining comedic comic comical droll humorous hilarious flippant farcical diverting funny antic playful hysterical riotous facetious flip uproarious ridiculous chucklesome ludicrous risible jocular screaming laughable waggish sidesplitting humoristic killing campy jokey whimsical snickery hysteric pert witty smart-alecky smart-aleck laughing wry mirthful joky smart jovial jocose gleeful merry jolly priceless rich jocund blithesome mad Antonyms & Near Antonyms unfunny unamusing humorless lame serious earnest solemn sombre tragic somber sedate severe staid grave unsmiling poignant uncomic weighty unhumorous tragical sober moving touching unhysterical affecting sad mournful sorrowful no-nonsense tearful lachrymose sobersided woeful See More
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slapstick

noun

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

noun

adjective