Burlesqued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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burlesqued
[bɜːrˈlɛskt ]
Definition
comedic performance
To burlesque is to perform a comedic or exaggerated imitation of someone or something, often for the purpose of satire or humor. The act usually involves mimicking behaviors and characteristics in a playful manner. Burlesqued performances can be theatrical, dance-based, or parodic, and they engage the audience through humor and a sense of irony. This term is commonly used in the context of theater and performing arts.
Synonyms
impersonated, mocked, parodied, satirized.
Examples of usage
- The comedian burlesqued a famous movie scene.
- She burlesqued the politician's speech during the show.
- The dance group burlesqued classic ballet performances.
- He burlesqued the stereotypes present in the media.
- The show burlesqued real-life events to provide humor.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Burlesque became popular in the 19th century, especially in America, featuring a mix of dance, comedy, and theatrical sketches.
- Some famous burlesque performers, like Gypsy Rose Lee, were known for combining clever wit with their striptease acts.
- In modern times, burlesque has seen a revival, celebrating body positivity and theatrical expression through art.
Literature
- Many classic literary works use burlesque forms to critique society, revealing deeper truths through humor.
- Authors like Jonathan Swift and Charles Dickens employed burlesque techniques, creating memorable characters through exaggerated traits and behaviors.
- Poems and parodies in the burlesque style often mimic serious works, making their themes more accessible and engaging.
Psychology
- Humor is a powerful tool in psychology; using burlesque can help people cope with stressful situations by reframing them comically.
- Burlesque allows audiences to explore social norms and taboos in a playful way, lessening resistance to difficult topics.
- Scholars note that laughter from burlesque can release endorphins, promoting well-being and social bonding.
Performing Arts
- Burlesque performances often include vivid costumes and dramatic lighting, emphasizing the theatrical nature of the art.
- In burlesque, the connection between performer and audience is vital, as the humor often arises from shared experience and interaction.
- Contemporary burlesque includes elements of drag and diverse representations, challenging traditional norms in performance art.
Origin of 'burlesqued'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'burlesque' comes from the Italian term 'burlesca', which means 'to joke or to mock'.
- Originally, burlesque referred to a type of theatrical entertainment in the 17th century that included parody and satire.
- The term has evolved to encompass a broader range of entertainment, including music, dance, and comedy performances.
The word 'burlesque' originates from the Italian term 'burlesco', which means 'to make fun of'. This term was derived from 'burla', meaning 'a joke' or 'a trick'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century and has been used to describe a style of humorous theatrical entertainment that typically exaggerates and parodies serious subjects. By the 19th century, burlesque evolved into a specific form of variety show that included music, dance, and comedy, often featuring scantily clad performers. Over time, 'burlesqued' became a verb to describe the action of performing in this comedic manner. The art form remains popular today, often associated with modern revivals that celebrate its theatrical roots and embrace its tradition of satire and humor.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #37,699, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.