burlesque
17 synonyms and 0 antonyms for burlesque, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A variety stage show combining comic sketches, musical numbers and striptease, associated with American theatres of the early twentieth century and revived since the 1990s as a knowingly retro, glamorous performance art.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A variety stage show combining comic sketches, musical numbers and striptease, associated with American theatres of the early twentieth century and revived since the 1990s as a knowingly retro, glamorous performance art.
“She performs burlesque at a supper club, feather fans and all.”
2. noun
A piece of writing, music or theatre that mocks something serious by treating it in a deliberately mismatched way — grand subjects handled cheaply, or trivial subjects handled with mock grandeur.
“The poem is a burlesque of Homer, with the heroes squabbling over a tea trolley.”
3. verb
To imitate something in an exaggerated, mocking way.
“The revue burlesqued every member of the cabinet in turn.”
How to use burlesque
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The performance sense is now the dominant one and is neutral; the literary sense is formal and mostly appears in criticism.
Etymology
From Italian burlesco, from burla 'joke, mockery, jest', which entered English through French burlesque in the seventeenth century.
Full origin of burlesque →Frequently asked questions
What does “burlesque” mean?
The word “burlesque” means a theatrical style that mocks or exaggerates something for comic effect, or (historically) a variety show featuring striptease and comedy. In plain terms, a comic, exaggerated parody — or historically, a raunchy variety stage show.
What is the difference between burlesque and striptease?
Striptease is simply the act of undressing for an audience. Burlesque is a whole stage form — comedy, character, costume, music and choreography — in which a tease may be the climax of a number but is not the entire point.
How do you pronounce “burlesque”?
“Burlesque” is pronounced buh-LEHSK (/bə(ɹ)ˈlɛsk/ in IPA).
What is the difference between burlesque and vaudeville?
Both were variety formats of the same era, but vaudeville was marketed as clean family entertainment while burlesque was bawdy, adult and satirical. Vaudeville bills leaned on jugglers, singers and animal acts; burlesque leaned on comics and dancers.
How do you use “burlesque” in a sentence?
Here is “burlesque” used in a sentence: “The play was a burlesque of political speeches.”
Is burlesque the same as cabaret?
They overlap but are not identical. Cabaret describes any intimate club performance of song, comedy or spoken word, whereas burlesque specifically carries the comic, teasing, costume-driven tradition.
What part of speech is “burlesque”?
Depending on how it is used, “burlesque” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “burlesque” come from?
The word “burlesque” comes from French. Borrowed from French burlesque, from Italian burlesco, meaning "parodic" or "mocking".
Is “burlesque” a common word?
“Burlesque” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “burlesque” have?
“Burlesque” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a theatrical style that mocks or exaggerates something for comic effect, or (historically) a variety show featuring striptease and comedy.