Pythonesque

/ ˌpaɪθəˈnɛsk /

adjective

1. denoting a kind of humour that is absurd and unpredictable; zany; surreal

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pythonesque¹

C20: named after the British television show Monty Python's Flying Circus, first broadcast in 1969

Example Sentences

“When you write a lot of comedy, particularly in Britain, often you get told ‘This is too Pythonesque,’ or ‘This is too surreal or weird,’ or ‘These jokes are too weird,’ this, that and the other, and to try and make it a bit less odd,” Morris observed in a separate Zoom interview.

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“I’ve enjoyed playing with it, and I enjoyed taking the best from the original and being inspired by people who have been an inspiration all my life. How lucky to get a chance to use the word ‘Pythonesque,’ to use ideas that Terry Gilliam had and sort of play with them.

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Of course, things are far angrier than that in the world, and not nearly as Pythonesque.

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Staff at one Dublin university said preparations were “Pythonesque”, with authorities at one point wanting to limit hand-sanitising stations lest they drew crowds.

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When my farewell ceremony comes due, I implore Mr. Cleese to provide a suitable Pythonesque distraction, so my bibliofriends can slip my chosen books into my last book depository.

Read more on New York Times