burlesque

The definition of burlesque refers to a performance or farce that depends on exaggeration or to comedy that depends upon exaggeration for its humor.

(noun)

A play or comedy that exaggerates and makes fun of the drama in soap operas is an example of a burlesque show.
A striptease act is an example of a burlesque show.

See burlesque in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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.

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

adjective

transitive verb, intransitive verb burlesqued, burlesquing

to imitate derisively or comically; parody

See burlesque in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. See Synonyms at caricature.
A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty: The antics of the defense attorneys turned the trial into a burlesque of justice.
A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease.

verb bur·lesqued, bur·lesqu·ing, bur·lesques

verb, transitive

To imitate mockingly or humorously: “always bringing junk . . . home, as if he were burlesquing his role as provider” (John Updike).

verb, intransitive

To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.

Origin:

Origin: From French, comical

Origin: , from Italian burlesco

Origin: , from burla, joke

Origin: , probably from Spanish

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *burrula

Origin: , diminutive of Late Latin burrae, nonsense