slapstick
noun
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The idea that knocking people about made for good comedy dates as far back as the Greco-Roman theater, where clowns rambunctiously "attacked" one another onstage. The object from which the word slapstick derives, however, was invented in Italy in the 16th century. Renaissance comedy typically featured stock characters placed in ridiculous situations, and one such ubiquitous character was Harlequin, whose brilliant costuming made him easily recognizable. Harlequin was given to wielding a paddle which was designed to make a terrible noise when he hit someone, usually to the delight of the audience. This paddle was eventually known in English as a "slapstick," and it became a symbol of that type of highly physical comedy. The word slapstick then came to refer to the comedy itself.
Examples of slapstick in a Sentence
Jordan Moreau, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024
But the Pauls’ upbeat, slapstick content hid a darkness at home.
—Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Oct. 2024
Hollywood legend Cary Grant goes full-on slapstick as a man who discovers his sweet elderly aunts are actually serial killers.
—Gwen Ihnat, EW.com, 25 Sep. 2024
There are many funny moments in the play which involve quite physical slapstick comedy that reminded me of classic Hollywood comedies featuring Charlie Chaplin or Laurel and Hardy, such as the scene when Appa plays cupid to Janet and Rich.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for slapstick 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slapstick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Slapstick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slapstick. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
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