slapstick

[ slap-stik ]

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.

adjective

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

   a slapstick motion picture.

slapstick

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of slapstick¹

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

Example Sentences

In a game that included two fumbled kickoff returns by Alabama and a slapstick 66-yard touchdown pass by Rebels QB Chad Kelly, a late Tide comeback wasn’t enough to avoid an eventual 43-37 defeat.

From FiveThirtyEight

While critics initially panned the movie for its raunchy slapstick and reliance on tropes like the ditzy blonde, it’s imbued with a deeply-felt warmth, thanks to Faris’ criminally under-recognized talents.

From Time

From slapstick to satire to memes, it can be a balm, a moment of catharsis to punctuate the often-cruel and random nature of life, reminding us of our common humanity.

From Washington Post

Who would picture Wu-Tang doing slapstick comedy in primetime on Fox?

From The Daily Beast

Asian slapstick humor does not translate well, and most of the captive audience agreed, although they grudgingly watched it.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Mayall, who was married with three children, was famed for his slapstick routines.

From The Daily Beast

A botched center-right leadership election on Nov. 18 verged on slapstick.

From The Daily Beast

Raimi is the king of the sustained slapstick horror sequence.

From The Daily Beast

Don Marquis recognizes as well as any one the value of the slapstick as a mirth-provoking instrument.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a moment when the slapstick comedy grazed red tragedy.

From Project Gutenberg

He is the comedian most often proclaimed an artist by the fastidious, and most often forgiven for his slapstick.

From Project Gutenberg

Her enthusiasm for the slapstick artist provoked him, but at the same time that gay laughter tickled his ears pleasantly.

From Project Gutenberg

Even this thing of Baird's, with all the saving slapstick, is over the heads of a good half of them.

From Project Gutenberg