Caricature: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Italian 'caricatura', meaning 'to load' or 'to charge', referring to the exaggeration of features.
• It became popular in the English language around the 18th century, especially in political satire.
• The term initially referred to overcharged impressions in loans but gradually shifted to art.

Art

• Caricatures are often seen in political cartoons, vividly commenting on social issues through exaggerated depictions.
• Famous artists like Honoré Daumier and Thomas Nast were known for their impactful caricature work during significant historical events.
• The art form combines humor and critique, allowing creators to convey messages that resonate with the public.

Psychology

• Caricatures use exaggeration of familiar facial traits to quickly convey recognition and humor, making them easily memorable.
• The brain processes exaggerated features more readily, which can enhance emotional responses and engagement with the artwork.
• This exaggeration technique is grounded in perceptual psychology, helping to simplify complex images into recognizable forms.

Pop Culture

• Animated shows like 'The Simpsons' widely use caricature to represent real-world figures, adding comedic value and social commentary.
• In films, caricatures often appear in scenes aiming for humor, contrasting characters in a playful manner.
• Social media platforms have spurred a resurgence in caricature art, with artists creating digital caricatures that go viral.

Literature

• Many classic literary characters are caricatures, employing exaggerated traits to symbolize broader human flaws or societal issues.
• Writers like Charles Dickens often used caricature to highlight the absurdities of his time, bringing humor to serious subjects.
• In novels and plays, caricature serves as a tool to criticize politics, culture, and human behavior through laughter.

With rank #16,056, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 16056 caricature
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