Parody
(n) An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. (v) To produce a parody of something.
Parody specifically imitates a style or work (e.g., a song, a film, a literary genre) to make fun of it, often through exaggeration. It requires the audience to be familiar with the original.
Word relationships
- Spoof: Spoof is a very close synonym, often used for lighthearted parodies of films or genres.
- Burlesque: Burlesque is a more absurd or comically exaggerated imitation, often focusing on low humor; parody can be more sophisticated.
- Travesty: Travesty implies a grotesque or debased imitation, often with a sense of mockery or injustice, rather than just humor.
- Original: A parody is an imitation, while an original is the first or primary version.
- Homage: Homage is an expression of respect or honor; parody is an imitation for comic or critical effect.
Commonly confused with
- Satire: Parody imitates a specific style or work for comic effect; satire uses various techniques (including parody) to criticize broader issues or human folly.
Word family
- parodist (noun): a person who writes parodies
- parodic (adjective): of or relating to parody
Collocations
- film parody
- literary parody
- musical parody
- clever parody
- parody a genre
Example sentences
- "The movie was a brilliant parody of classic spy thrillers, complete with over-the-top villains and improbable gadgets." Discussing a comedic film.
- "Weird Al Yankovic is famous for his musical parodies, transforming popular songs into humorous new versions." Analyzing a musical performance.
Memory hook
Think of 'PAIR-a-DEE' as a pair of ideas: the original and the humorous, exaggerated imitation. Pair of ideas
When not to use
Don't use 'parody' for general criticism or humor that doesn't specifically imitate a known style or work. It's not a synonym for 'joke' or 'satire' in all contexts.
Fun facts
- Many popular comedy shows, like 'Saturday Night Live', rely heavily on parody for their sketches.
- Parody is often protected under fair use laws in copyright, as it's considered transformative.
Related words
Also appears in
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