Definition

Proper noun: - A family of United States comedians: The Marx Brothers were a famous American comedy team, originally consisting of four brothers (Chico, Harpo, Groucho, and Zeppo; a fifth brother, Gummo, was part of the early stage act but not the films). They are renowned for their anarchic, absurd, and fast-paced humor that often satirized society and authority figures.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Marx Brothers revolutionized film comedy with their unique brand of humor.
  • My favorite Marx Brothers movie is "Duck Soup".
  • Groucho Marx, the most famous of the Marx Brothers, was known for his quick wit and distinctive mustache.

Advanced Usage

• "Marx Brothers-esque" or "Marxian": Used as an adjective to describe something reminiscent of the Marx Brothers' style of chaotic, irreverent comedy.
  • The meeting descended into a Marx Brothers-esque farce with everyone talking over each other.

Variants and Related Words

• Groucho Marx: The most prominent brother, known for his wisecracks, cigar, and painted mustache.
• Harpo Marx: The brother who never spoke in films, communicating through pantomime, a taxi horn, and a harp.
• Chico Marx: The brother who played the piano and spoke with an Italian accent.
• Zeppo Marx: The brother who often played the romantic straight man in their early films.
• Anarchic comedy: A genre of comedy characterized by chaos, satire of conventions, and absurdity, which the Marx Brothers helped define.

Synonyms

• Comedy team: A group of performers who work together primarily in comedic roles.
• Vaudevillians: Performers from the genre of variety entertainment known as vaudeville, where the Marx Brothers began their career.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A Marx Brothers routine": Refers to a situation that is hilariously chaotic, confused, or absurdly complicated.
  • Trying to get all the kids ready for school was like a Marx Brothers routine.

Noun

1. a family of United States comedians consisting of four brothers with an anarchic sense of humor