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Lampooned Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lampooned

[lรฆmหˆpuหnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

literary critique

To lampoon someone means to publicly criticize or ridicule them, often using humor, irony, or exaggeration. This term is typically used in contexts involving satire, where the intent is to mock or deride an individual or group, particularly in the realm of politics or social norms.

Synonyms

mock, parody, ridicule, satirize.

Examples of usage

  • The comedy show lampooned the politician's recent scandal.
  • The cartoonist lampooned the celebrity in his latest drawing.
  • Her novel lampoons societal norms with sharp wit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous authors like Jonathan Swift and Voltaire used lampooning to critique societyโ€™s norms.
  • In modern literature, lampooning often appears in political cartoons that exaggerate politicians' behaviours.
  • Pantomimes and comedic plays frequently lampoon characters, making light of their personalities or actions.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows like 'Saturday Night Live' and 'The Simpsons' are well-known for lampooning celebrities and current events.
  • The term is often associated with parody, where it is used in films that humorously imitate other works.
  • Social media platforms now serve as popular places to lampoon cultural trends and public figures with memes.

Psychology

  • Humor is a common coping mechanism, and lampooning can help individuals process societal issues through laughter.
  • Exaggerating flaws helps audiences recognize and critique real-world problems in a more approachable manner.
  • Research indicates that laughter from lampooning promotes social bonding and eases tensions around sensitive topics.

History

  • Lampooning has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, where jesters played a key role in satirizing royalty.
  • The first notable lampooning publication, 'The Rake,' began in the early 18th century, focusing on public figures.
  • During the French Revolution, writers used lampooning as a tool of resistance against the monarchy and external powers.

Origin of 'lampooned'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French word 'lampon', which means 'to ridicule'.
  • It originated in 17th century Paris as a form of satire, often targeting prominent figures.
  • Initially used to describe a satirical poem or comedy, it has evolved to cover various forms of mockery.

The term 'lampoon' originates from the late 17th century, derived from the French word 'lampon', which means 'let us drink'. It initially referred to a light, amusing poem or piece of writing that mocked someone or something. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass broader forms of satire, including jesting and ridicule in literary and theatrical works. The practice of lampooning became particularly popular in the context of political commentary, where humor was used to critique authority and societal norms. This evolution reflects a rich tradition in literature where humor is wielded as a tool for social critique. Today, lampooning remains a common technique in various media, including literature, television, and film.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,382, 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.