custard-pie

American  

[kuhs-terd-pahy] / ˈkʌs tərdˈpaɪ /

adjective

1. characteristic of a type of slapstick comedy in which a performer throws a pie in another's face: popular especially in the era of vaudeville and early silent films.

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custard pie British  

noun

1. 1. a flat, open pie filled with real or artificial custard, as thrown in slapstick comedy

   2. ( as modifier )

      custard-pie humour

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Etymology

Origin of custard-pie

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

I could tell by his expression that Roos dearly wanted to lend a Mack Sennett “custard-pie” touch by having some one smear some one else in the face with a mushy half-baked bannock, but discretion prevailed.

From Project Gutenberg

"Custard-Pie!" exclaimed the urchin, with great exultation at his success.

From Project Gutenberg

I was born to be a humorist—a real humorist—in a day and age when ‘custard-pie comedians’ have the right-of-way.”

From Project Gutenberg

“I presume Fielding is quite familiar with any quantity of ‘juvenile leads’ and ‘stunt’ actors as well as ‘custard-pie comedians.’

From Project Gutenberg

So you've got painful home truths coming out while people dressed up like Benny Hill are having custard-pie fights.

From The Guardian