Parody Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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parody
par-o-dy
Definitions
comedy
A humorous imitation of a person, group of people, or a popular style of writing, music, or art.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parody |
Used when imitating a particular style, artist, or genre in a humorous or exaggerated way, often to entertain or critique.
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| spoof |
Used when creating a humorous imitation of something, often a film or television show, typically for light-hearted entertainment.
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| satire |
Used when using humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and expose the flaws or shortcomings of people, institutions, or society.
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| mockery |
Used when making fun of something in a way that shows a lack of respect, often to insult or demean. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The movie was a hilarious parody of a famous horror film.
- Her parody of the president's speech had the audience in stitches.
comedy
To produce a humorously exaggerated imitation of someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parody |
Use when making a humorous or exaggerated imitation of a work, person, or genre to entertain or critique.
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| mock |
Use when making fun of someone in a cruel or unkind way. It carries a negative connotation.
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| imitate |
Use when copying someone's actions, appearance, or behaviors, often with the intent to learn or to flatter.
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| mimic |
Often used in a lighter or playful context, it means to closely copy someone’s behavior, speech, or actions, sometimes for fun or to make a point.
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Examples of usage
- The comedian parodied the politician's mannerisms in his stand-up routine.
- The show parodies popular TV commercials for comedic effect.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “parody”
Parody is a 3-syllable noun and verb (par-o-dy). It is pronounced /ˈpɛɹədi/ in American English and /pˈæɹədi/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #14,525 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“parody” in literature
- Many famous authors used parody, including Charles Dickens, who mocked societal norms in his works.
- In poetry, the 'Epicene' style often attempts to combine parody and seriousness, blending humor with moral lessons.
- A well-known example is 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, which parodies chivalric romances and societal ideals.
“parody” in pop culture
- In modern times, shows like 'Saturday Night Live' create parodies of current events and celebrities, making people laugh.
- Movies like 'Scary Movie' and 'Airplane!' use parody to humorously distort popular film genres.
- The phenomenon of 'viral parodies' on platforms like TikTok showcases how quickly and broadly humor can spread.
“parody” in psychology
- Parody often serves as a coping mechanism, allowing individuals to express frustration or critique societal norms humorously.
- Recognizing parody in art and media involves cognitive empathy, as one needs to understand both the original work and the satire.
- Studies suggest that engaging with parody can enhance critical thinking skills by encouraging viewers to analyze themes beyond the surface.
“parody” in performance arts
- In theater, parody is often used in comedic acts, adding humor through exaggerated performances.
- Musical parodies can elevate an ordinary song's humor by changing the lyrics while keeping the original melody.
- Comedians often use parody to comment on current events, blending entertainment with social critique.
Origin of 'parody'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'parody' comes from the Greek word 'parodia,' which means 'a song alongside' or 'burlesque.'
- It first entered English in the late 16th century, indicating its long-standing presence in literature and performance.
- Originally, parodies often involved serious poetry or works, using humor to highlight absurdities.
The word 'parody' comes from the Greek word 'parōidia', which means 'burlesque song' or 'mockery'. Parodies have been used throughout history to entertain, criticize, or comment on various aspects of society. From ancient Greek comedies to modern-day satirical shows, parody continues to be a popular form of comedic expression.