slapstick

[ slap-stik ]

noun

1. broad comedy characterized by boisterous action, as the throwing of pies in actors' faces, mugging, and obvious farcical situations and jokes.
2. a stick or lath used by harlequins, clowns, etc., as in pantomime, for striking other performers, especially a combination of laths that make a loud, clapping noise without hurting the person struck.

adjective

1. using, or marked by the use of, broad farce and horseplay:

   a slapstick motion picture.

slapstick

/ ˈslæpˌstɪk /

noun

1. 1. comedy characterized by horseplay and physical action
   2. ( as modifier )

      slapstick humour

2. a flexible pair of paddles bound together at one end, formerly used in pantomime to strike a blow to a person with a loud clapping sound but without injury

Word History and Origins

Origin of slapstick¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; slap ¹ + stick ¹

Example Sentences

“A Man on the Inside” is not a slapstick snort-fest in the mold of so many movies headlined by elderly stars misbehaving, thank goodness.

From Salon

Britt also inspired the slapstick sidekick Harrogate in “Suttree,” which McCarthy was writing when they first met at a Tucson motel swimming pool where she went to safely shower away from her foster home.

From Los Angeles Times

Even a black-and-white, near-silent slapstick comedy about a 19th century trapper battling beavers.

From Los Angeles Times

And the “memoir” we’re invited to observe is a wounding one, rife with heartbreak and trauma — but also, as it turns out, raunchy humor and slapstick pratfalls, literate puns and winking sight gags.

From Los Angeles Times

When Baker dives into the repercussions, “Anora” slows down and transforms from a slapstick farce to a true character study, and it’s then when the film shines its brightest.

From Salon