slapstick

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a boisterous comedy with chases and collisions and practical jokes
  2. noun acoustic device consisting of two paddles hinged together; used by an actor to make a loud noise without inflicting injury when striking someone
  3. adjective characterized by horseplay and physical action

Etymology

From slap + stick, calque of Italian batacchio. The pair of sticks was used by the comic character Harlequin in the commedia dell'arte.

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