Punch-and-Judy show

[ puhnch-uhn-joo-dee ]

noun

1. a puppet show having a conventional plot consisting chiefly of slapstick humor and the tragicomic misadventures of the grotesque, hook-nosed, humpback buffoon Punch and his wife Judy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Punch-and-Judy show¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

She was watching the visitor as if she were a passing Punch-and-Judy show come in to play for a moment for her entertainment.

From Project Gutenberg

Altogether the scene was more like a Punch-and-Judy show, than any part of the serious business of life.

From Project Gutenberg

The lady, as it happened, had seen them at the fair, and had wondered then to see them in company with a Punch-and-Judy show.

From Project Gutenberg

The Punch-and-Judy show grew tiresome, but the company seemed better than none.

From Project Gutenberg

After much inquiry he had discovered they had been seen with a Punch-and-Judy show and now he was trying to find the showmen.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• puppetry