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

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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

See Examples For:

slapstick

No one understands their audience better than she does, knowing comedy relies as much on observation as on good, old-fashioned slapstick.

From Salon ● Oct. 16, 2026

Silent movies may be the home of slapstick, but they are also akin to ballet.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026

But for millions like me, the robot Olympics burst into our feeds as a glorious cornucopia of slapstick comedy.

From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2026

We both love slapstick comedies, but he seemed antsy when I tried to hold his hand.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026

Eliminating those unfamiliar with the Stooges’ slapstick, physical, lowbrow comedy, I found that an overwhelming 8 percent of my sample admitted to such an indulgence.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

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