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slapstick

 - 2 dictionary results

slap⋅stick

[slap-stik]
–noun
1. broad comedy characterized by boisterous action, as the throwing of pies in actors' faces, mugging, and obvious farcical situations and jokes.
2. a stick or lath used by harlequins, clowns, etc., as in pantomime, for striking other performers, esp. a combination of laths that make a loud, clapping noise without hurting the person struck.
–adjective
3. using, or marked by the use of, broad farce and horseplay: a slapstick motion picture.

Origin:
1895–1900, Americanism; slap 1 + stick 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To slapstick
slap·stick   (slāp'stĭk')   
n.  
  1. A boisterous form of comedy marked by chases, collisions, and crude practical jokes.

  2. A paddle designed to produce a loud whacking sound, formerly used by performers in farces.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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