CultureAugust 22, 2026

slapstick

SLAP-stik

Definition

A style of comedy characterized by boisterous physical activity, exaggerated movements, and often reckless or clumsy behavior.

Etymology

Derived from the physical 'slap stick'—a device consisting of two flat pieces of wood that make a loud sound when struck together—used by performers in the commedia dell'arte tradition to simulate loud hits.

In the news

Bobby Deol mentions being uncomfortable with slapstick comedy, highlighting his preference for roles with more nuanced or grounded writing.

Bobby Deol on villain roles: ‘I try really hard to break out of that’

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Telangana Today

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