Comedienne Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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comedienne
[หkษmษชหdiหษn ]
Definition
female comedian
A comedienne is a woman who performs comedy. She may work in various formats such as stand-up, television, or film. Comediennes use humor to entertain audiences by delivering funny anecdotes, performing skits, or creating comedic characters. Their work often highlights social issues, personal experiences, or observational humor. While historically less recognized than their male counterparts, many comediennes have gained popularity and acclaim in the entertainment industry.
Synonyms
female comic, female stand-up, humorist.
Examples of usage
- The comedienne made the audience laugh uncontrollably with her witty jokes.
- She started her career as a comedienne on a small stage before reaching national fame.
- Many comediennes incorporate their life experiences into their acts to connect with the audience.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Famous comediennes like Joan Rivers and Lucille Ball paved the way for women in comedy, challenging societal norms.
- The rise of stand-up comedy in the 1980s saw a surge in female comedians, leading to a broader representation in the industry.
- Shows like 'Saturday Night Live' have featured iconic comediennes who have shaped comedic styles and narratives.
Psychology
- Laughter, often facilitated by comediennes, is known to reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness due to the release of endorphins.
- Women in comedy have been found to engage in more relational humor, which strengthens social bonds and promotes inclusivity.
- Stand-up routines by female comedians often address personal experiences, providing a platform for empowerment and connection.
Literature
- Many comedic plays from the 17th and 18th centuries began featuring female roles, inspiring women to take the stage as comediennes.
- Notable female playwrights, like Wendy Wasserstein, incorporated humor into their works, influencing the portrayal of women in comedy.
- The genre of humorous essays, from authors like Nora Ephron, solidified women's voices in literary comedy, showcasing their wit and humor.
Origin of 'comedienne'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'comedienne' comes from the French language, where it is the feminine form of 'comรฉdien', meaning comic or actor.
- It was first recorded in English literature in the late 19th century as theaters began to recognize female performers in comedic roles.
- The Spanish equivalent is 'comediante', highlighting the influence of Latin languages on comedy terminology.
The term 'comedienne' is a derivation of the word 'comedian,' which comes from the French word 'comรฉdien' or 'comรฉdienne.' The French terms trace back to the Latin 'comoedia,' which means 'a play' and derives from the Greek 'komoidia,' indicating a type of drama characterized by humor and often a happy ending. Historically, roles in comedy were predominantly male-dominated, but as women began to enter the field in the late 19th and 20th centuries, the need for a female-specific term grew. The adoption of 'comedienne' helped to identify and celebrate the contributions of women in comedy, even though in contemporary contexts the term is sometimes considered unnecessary or outdated as many prefer the gender-neutral 'comedian.' Over the years, several notable comediennes have emerged, breaking barriers and achieving great success, thereby enriching the comedic landscape.