Definition of Slapstick

1. Noun. A boisterous comedy with chases and collisions and practical jokes.

Generic synonyms: Comedy

2. Adjective. Characterized by horseplay and physical action. "Slapstick style of humor"
Similar to: Humorous, Humourous

3. Noun. Acoustic device consisting of two paddles hinged together; used by an actor to make a loud noise without inflicting injury when striking someone.
Generic synonyms: Acoustic Device

Definition of Slapstick

1. Noun. physical comedy, e.g. slipping on a banana peel, exaggeratedly losing balance, walking into walls etc. ¹

2. Noun. a pair of sticks tied together at one end and used to create a slapping sound effect for (1) ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Slapstick

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Slapstick

slappee
slappees
slappers
slappies
slapping
slapping down
slappings
slappity
slappy
slaps
slaps down
slapshot
slapshots
slapsies
slapstick (current term)
slapsticker
slapstickeries
slapstickers
slapstickery
slapsticks
slapsticky
slapt
slash-and-burn
slash and burn
slash fictions
slash line
slash pile

Literary usage of Slapstick

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Technique of the Photoplay by Epes Winthrop Sargent (1916)
"There seems to be a fairly regular movement from comedy to slapstick with a quick return to comedy. Most veteran theatrical managers know that amusement ..."

2. Pieces of Hate and Other Enthusiasms by Heywood Broun (1922)
"XXXVI ONE TOUCH OF slapstick The Duchess in Clair de Lune implored her gentleman friend to speak to her roughly, using hedge and highroad talk. ..."

3. Another Book on the Theatre by George Jean Nathan (1915)
"ON THE slapstick ONE night in the Year of our Lord 1896, a tall, thin man walked out upon the stage of a Broadway theatre, followed by a little fat man. ..."

4. The Popular Theatre by George Jean Nathan (1918)
"... but the simple slapstick pictures of such as Chaplin, represent the screen at its most apposite and best. The performance in the films of some such ..."

5. Mr. George Jean Nathan Presents by George Jean Nathan (1917)
"But since the thesis of mixed identities is nine times in ten employed for mere purposes of loud farce — for mere slapstick pastime, as it were — it is as ..."

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