antic

[ an-tik ]

noun

1. Usually antics.
   1. a playful trick or prank; caper.
   2. a grotesque, fantastic, or ludicrous gesture, act, or posture.
2. Archaic.
   1. an actor in a grotesque or ridiculous presentation.
   2. a buffoon; clown.
3. Obsolete.
   1. a grotesque theatrical presentation; ridiculous interlude.
   2. a grotesque or fantastic sculptured figure, as a gargoyle.

adjective

1. ludicrous; funny.
2. fantastic; odd; grotesque:

   an antic disposition.

verb (used without object)

, an·ticked, an·tick·ing.

1. Obsolete. to perform antics; caper.

antic

/ ˈæntɪk /

noun

1. archaic.
   an actor in a ludicrous or grotesque part; clown; buffoon

adjective

1. archaic.
   fantastic; grotesque

Other Words From

• anti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

1520–30; earlier antike, antique < Italian antico ancient (< Latin antīcus, antīquus; antique ), apparently taken to mean “grotesque,” as used in descriptions of fantastic figures found in Roman ruins

Word History and Origins

Origin of antic¹

C16: from Italian antico something ancient, or grotesque (from its application to fantastic carvings found in ruins of ancient Rome); see antique

Example Sentences

That means making the Republicans pay at the polls next time for their antics.

From Salon

I don’t know Jon personally but I think it’s pretty apparent from this week’s antics already that he’s a pretty unpredictable character.

From BBC

Paul, who grew up in Ohio, originally became famous on YouTube for his disruptive antics.

From Los Angeles Times

“Too many people are willing to write off his childish, mean-spirited antics by saying, ‘Well, Trump’s just being Trump.’”

From Los Angeles Times

But, as Harris's speech should remind us, the crybaby antics and self-victimization are just a cover for what Trump and his acolytes want, which is far more serious than insincere flattery.

From Salon

Related Words

• joke
• shenanigan
• trick