slapstick

American  

[slap-stik] / ˈslæpˌstɪk /

noun

1. broad comedy characterized by boisterous action, as the throwing of pies in actors' faces, mugging, and obvious farcical situations and jokes.

2. a stick or lath used by harlequins, clowns, etc., as in pantomime, for striking other performers, especially a combination of laths that make a loud, clapping noise without hurting the person struck.

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adjective

1. using, or marked by the use of, broad farce and horseplay.

   a slapstick motion picture.

slapstick British  

/ ˈslæpˌstɪk /

noun

1. 1. comedy characterized by horseplay and physical action

   2. ( as modifier )

      slapstick humour

2. a flexible pair of paddles bound together at one end, formerly used in pantomime to strike a blow to a person with a loud clapping sound but without injury

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Etymology

Origin of slapstick

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; slap ¹ + stick ¹

Explanation

Slapstick is a ridiculous, exaggerated type of humor. Old movies by Laurel and Hardy and the Marx Brothers are good examples of slapstick. Imagine the laughs you get with the strategic use of a whoopee cushion, and you'll get a sense of what slapstick is. Pratfalls and other physical comedy are an important element of slapstick, from Buster Keaton films, to "I Love Lucy," to "Home Alone." The word slapstick comes from a theatrical device invented in the 16th century—a slap stick, two slats of wood that could be smacked together to mimic the sound of a slap.

Example Sentences

Slapstick comedy and supernatural terror are a hard combination to bring off.

From Washington Post • Nov. 28, 2021

The sketch Kung Fu Kapers was announced as the winner at Bristol's Slapstick Festival, which is celebrating the show's 50th anniversary.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2020

Slapstick isn’t Dennehy’s strong suit, but there is something poignantly humorous in watching him cart his bulk across the stage in baggy cotton clown pants.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2018

Slapstick Shakespearean complications ensue, as Brady and Mack try to get the plot back on track by tricking their metafictional counterparts into falling for each other.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2013

Slapstick, utter absurdity and weak puns are de rigueur.

From Newsweek