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burlesquea literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation

Pronunciation (IPA): /bɜːrˈlesk/

Example Sentences

  • The burlesque version of Shakespeare made everyone burst into laughter.
  • Modern burlesque combines vintage glamour with contemporary humor.
  • He decided to burlesque his own awkward dance moves at the talent show.

burlesque

NOUN

[/bɜːrˈlesk/]

a literary or dramatic work that seeks to ridicule by means of grotesque exaggeration or comic imitation

The burlesque show mocked the king with feathered fans and dramatic winks.
💡 Concept

The burlesque show mocked the king with feathered fans and dramatic winks.

Burly comedian at desk performs ridiculous parody - burlesque!
🧠 Mnemonic

Burly comedian at desk performs ridiculous parody - burlesque!

At his desk, grotesque burlesque comes to life!
🎵 Rhyme

At his desk, grotesque burlesque comes to life!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/bɜːrˈlesk/
🇬🇧 UK/bɜːˈlesk/

🌳Etymology

Rootburla
Suffix--esque

Origin

From French burlesque, which derives from Italian burlesco, meaning 'mocking or joking.' The Italian term comes from burla, meaning 'jest' or 'trick,' possibly from Spanish burla with similar meaning.

Breakdown

burlesque (from Italian burla 'jest/trick' + -esco 'in the manner of') = a style of exaggerated mockery or comic imitation

🎵Rhyme

deskesquegrotesque
desk
esque
grotesque

🔗Collocations

burlesque show
burlesque theater
burlesque dancer
burlesque comedy
burlesque performance
literary burlesque

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The burlesque version of Shakespeare made everyone burst into laughter.

Modern burlesque combines vintage glamour with contemporary humor.

😄 Fun example

He decided to burlesque his own awkward dance moves at the talent show.

The burlesque revival brought back the art of theatrical comedy.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

parodysatirecaricaturemockeryspoof

Antonyms

serious dramatragedysolemnity

Related

vaudevillecabaretcomedysatirepantomime

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