Comedy Terms Flashcards
burlesque
form of comedy characterized by ridiculous exaggeration
caricature
a representation in which the subject’s distinctive features are exaggerated to produce a comic or grotesque effect
colloquialism
use of slang or informal language-includes regional dialect
deflation
an object either assumes or is given elevated status and then is treated in such a way that estimation of the object decreases
disparagement
to speak of in a slighting way; belittle;reduce in rank or esteem
farce
a light dramatic work in which highly improbable plot,exaggerated character, and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect
high comedy
pure or serious comedy that appeals to the intellect and arouses thoughtful laughter
hyperbole
exaggeration or overstatement
incongruity
surprising contrast occurring through situation, image, allusion, character, diction, anachronism, etc
invective
harsh, abusive language directed towards a person or cause
lampoon
a broad satirical piece that uses ridicule to attack a person or group
litotes
a form of understatement in which a thing is affirmed by stating the negative of it’s opposite
low comedy
comedy that lacks seriousness of purpose or subtlety of manner and has little intellectual appeal
malapropism
an inappropriateness of speech resulting from the use of one word for another which resembles it
non sequitur
inference or conclusion that does not follow from the premise or evidence
