Definition

1. Noun:

   • A humorous imitation: A work, especially in literature or performance, that imitates the style or manner of something in an exaggerated, ridiculous way for comic effect.
   • A variety show: A type of theatrical entertainment featuring comic sketches, dance, and sometimes striptease, characterized by broad, earthy humor.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to or characteristic of a burlesque: Of or pertaining to the style of humor or performance that involves ridiculous imitation or broad comedy.

3. Verb:

   • To imitate in a ridiculous, exaggerated way: To make a parody of something; to mock or ridicule through humorous imitation.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Imitation):

  • The novel is a clever burlesque of the detective genre.
  • He wrote a burlesque of the politician's famous speech.

• Noun (Variety Show):

  • In the 1920s, burlesque was a popular form of entertainment in American theaters.
  • The club featured a burlesque performance with comedians and dancers.

• Adjective:

  • The play had a burlesque style, full of slapstick and exaggerated characters.
  • She performed a burlesque routine that was both funny and satirical.

• Verb:

  • The comedy show burlesqued the conventions of reality television.
  • His article burlesques the pretentious language of academic journals.

Advanced Usage

• "burlesque of manners": A specific type of burlesque that satirizes the behavior and social customs of a particular class or group.

  • The 18th-century play was a brilliant burlesque of aristocratic manners.

• "to descend into burlesque": For a serious subject or treatment to become ridiculously exaggerated or comically distorted.

  • The debate descended into burlesque as the candidates began trading personal insults.

Variants and Related Words

• Burlesquer (n): A person who performs in or creates burlesques.

  • He was a famous burlesquer known for his sharp political satire.

• Burlesquely (adv): In a burlesque manner.

  • The scene was played burlesquely, with actors over-emphasizing every gesture.

Synonyms

• Parody (n/v): A humorous or satirical imitation.
• Spoof (n/v): A lighthearted parody or hoax.
• Caricature (n/v): An exaggerated representation for comic effect.
• Travesty (n): A grotesque or debased imitation.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Burlesque" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically transitive.) - To burlesque something: The standard construction for the verb form. - The cartoonist burlesques current events every week.

Related Idioms

• A travesty of justice: While not using "burlesque," this idiom shares the concept of a distorted, ridiculous imitation. A "burlesque of justice" could be used similarly to mean a mockery or absurdly unfair representation of legal proceedings.
  • Many saw the corrupt trial as a complete burlesque of justice.

Adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of a burlesque
   • burlesque theater

Noun

1. a composition that imitates or misrepresents somebody's style, usually in a humorous way
2. a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)

Verb

1. make a parody of
   • The students spoofed the teachers