Grand Guignol

[ French grahn gee-nyawl ]

noun

1. a short drama stressing horror and sensationalism.
2. of, relating to, or resembling such a drama.

Grand Guignol

/ ɡrɑ̃ ɡiɲɔl /

noun

1. 1. a brief sensational play intended to horrify
   2. modifier of, relating to, or like plays of this kind

Word History and Origins

Origin of Grand Guignol¹

First recorded in 1905–10; after Le Grand Guignol, small theater in Paris where such dramas were performed

Word History and Origins

Origin of Grand Guignol¹

C20: after Le Grand Guignol, a small theatre in Montmartre, Paris

Example Sentences

Hers is a Grand Guignol sensibility that any “White Lotus” fan will get — and applaud.

From Seattle Times

The grandness of this Grand Guignol tale was to be preserved, but with a close-up intimacy that could shine a light into the inner workings of the characters.

From Los Angeles Times

‘Mother’ at Zombie Joe’s Go over to the dark side this Mother’s Day weekend with an immersive experience presented by NoHo’s preeminent purveyors of horror and Grand Guignol; for ages 18 and older only.

From Los Angeles Times

Sam Raimi’s original trilogy made stylish Grand Guignol gore that evoked Jean-Luc Godard’s response to a question about why he used so much blood.

From New York Times

“Bones and All” ups the ante by turning into a chase movie, culminating in a Grand Guignol of brutality and self-sacrifice.

From Washington Post