CultureAugust 17, 2026

caricature

KAIR-ih-kuh-chur

Definition

A theatrical or artistic representation that exaggerates specific traits, behaviors, or appearances of a person for the purpose of comic or satirical effect.

Etymology

Derived from the Italian word 'caricare', meaning 'to load' or 'to exaggerate', which entered English in the 18th century to describe portraiture that overemphasizes distinctive features.

In the news

The article describes how Mukulu used theatrical caricature to portray political regimes and presidents, allowing him to mock and critique Uganda's historical leaders.

UGANDA MOURNS ALEX MUKULU! The Maverick Who Turned Theatre, Radio and Satire into a National Mirror. Mukulu was unmistakable. He

Read the full article ↗

The Investigator News

Related words

bodice

The part of a dress that covers a person's torso, extending from the neck to the waist.

Culture

communion

The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, or a state of close,…

Culture

cosplays

The practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, typically…

Culture

exhilarating

Causing strong feelings of excitement, happiness, or stimulation.

Culture

gouache

A type of opaque watercolor paint characterized by a high pigment concentration and a…

Culture

hemophilia

A rare, usually hereditary medical condition where the blood lacks sufficient clotting…

Culture

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.