Grand Guignol

[ French grahn gee-nyawl ]

noun

1. a short drama stressing horror and sensationalism.
2. of, relating to, or resembling such a drama.

Grand Guignol

/ ɡrɑ̃ ɡiɲɔl /

noun

1. 1. a brief sensational play intended to horrify
   2. modifier of, relating to, or like plays of this kind

Word History and Origins

Origin of Grand Guignol¹

First recorded in 1905–10; after Le Grand Guignol, small theater in Paris where such dramas were performed

Word History and Origins

Origin of Grand Guignol¹

C20: after Le Grand Guignol, a small theatre in Montmartre, Paris

Example Sentences

Amanda lives, as every Norma Desmond must, in an ominous Grand Guignol mansion.

From Vox

As the writer of the article pointed out, the play was a Grand Guignol piece produced away from its proper environment.

From Project Gutenberg

Your Parisian hoaxer likes a dash of Grand Guignol horrors in his jokelet.

From Project Gutenberg