burlesque

burlesque Definition

bur·lesque (bər lesk′)

noun

any broadly comic or satirical imitation, as of a writing, play, etc.; derisive caricature; parody
☆ a sort of vaudeville characterized by low comedy, striptease acts, etc.

Etymology: Fr < It burlesco < burla, a jest, mockery

adjective

transitive verb, intransitive verb burlesqued -·lesqued′, burlesquing -·lesqu′·ing

to imitate derisively or comically; parody

burlesque Synonyms

Anything intending to mock
parody, travesty, caricature, lampoon; see parody.
A bawdy stage show
show, theatrical entertainment, revue, vaudeville, burleycue*, strip*, burly*, topless show*, nudie*, girlie show*; see also performance 2, show 2. See syn. study at parody.

burlesque Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

actress--somebody: Probably a flossy typewriter--or a burlesque actress--somebody you're fitted for, anyway!
dancer: I'd have no problems with them if they had become famous for being burlesque dancers, as at least that would be honest.
performer: I have been working for many years as a burlesque performer.
show: He'd turn my Order of Oriental Templars into a burlesque show!
act: I'm on a quest to find " Empty Arms " the song dubbed for Susan Kohner's burlesque act in that same movie.
theater: By the time William was 17 he was working regularly in the burlesque theaters of Chicago.

Modifying Another Word

very: Very burlesque dress similar to Roland Mouret's current show-stopping curvy dresses - but this is an 80's original!

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