burlesque

 
Pronunciation: /bəːˈlɛsk/

noun

  • 1an absurd or comically exaggerated imitation of something, especially in a literary or dramatic work; a parody: a novel which is a burlesque of the literary life [mass noun]: the argument descends into music-hall burlesque
  • 2a variety show, typically including striptease: [as modifier]: burlesque clubs

verb (burlesques, burlesquing, burlesqued)

[with object]
  • parody or imitate in an absurd or comically exaggerated way: a mock-heroic farce that burlesques the affectations of Restoration heroic drama

Derivatives

burlesquer

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century: from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla 'mockery', of unknown origin