noun

slapstick comedy

SLAP-stik KOM-uh-dee

Quiz me More like this

Slapstick comedy (noun) means Comedy that gets its laughs from broad physical action — falls, chases, collisions, thrown pies and improbable accidents — rather than from dialogue or wit. Example: “Laurel and Hardy built an entire career on slapstick comedy.”

noun

Comedy that gets its laughs from broad physical action — falls, chases, collisions, thrown pies and improbable accidents — rather than from dialogue or wit.

"Laurel and Hardy built an entire career on slapstick comedy."

"The film is pure slapstick comedy: ninety minutes of one man falling down the same staircase."

How to use slapstick comedy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFunny falling-over, pie-in-the-face comedy.

When to use it

Neutral, though calling something slapstick can imply it is unsubtle. Often shortened to just slapstick.

Memory tip

Slapstick works without language, which is why it dominated silent film and still travels across every audience.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

farce → physical comedy clowning →

Common pairings

broad slapstick silent-era slapstick slapstick routine veer into slapstick

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like slapstick comedy.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “slapstick comedy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Laurel and Hardy built an entire career on _____.

Etymology

From the slapstick, a stage prop made of two thin boards hinged so that striking someone produced a loud crack with almost no force, allowing pretend beatings to sound violent and look painless.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

physical comedy knockabout comedy farce buffoonery

Antonyms

wit dry humour satire

Related words

stuff card intelligence comedy circus wit comedian irony

Rhymes for slapstick comedy

seedy needy greedy comedy remedy speedy tragedy Kennedy raggedy indeedy scaredy

See all rhymes for slapstick comedy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between slapstick and farce?

Slapstick is a technique — the physical gag itself, the pratfall or the pie. Farce is a whole dramatic structure built on absurd situations and mistaken identity. A farce is usually full of slapstick, but a single slapstick gag in an otherwise serious film does not make it a farce.

Why is it called slapstick?

It is named after a real prop: two flat pieces of wood hinged at one end, which made a loud slapping crack on impact while delivering hardly any force. Performers could appear to beat each other soundly without anyone being hurt.

Is slapstick still used today?

Yes, though it now tends to appear inside other forms rather than as a whole genre. Animation, children's television and action comedies all rely heavily on slapstick timing.

What is the meaning of slapstick comedy?

"slapstick comedy" (noun) means comedy that gets its laughs from broad physical action — falls, chases, collisions, thrown pies and improbable accidents — rather than from dialogue or wit.

People also searched

stuff card intelligence comedy circus wit comedian irony