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DictionaryslapstickPhysical comedy
noun / adjective

slapstick

SLAP-stik/ˈslæpstɪk/

Comedy based on exaggerated physical mishaps.

The clowns' harmless collision creates slapstick comedy.

Two adult clowns in plain colorful stage clothes collide harmlessly while carrying foam prop pies; one pie lands on his own face, exaggerated comic surprise, no injury, sparse stage line.
Etymology
slapEnglisha sharp blow
+stickEnglisha slender piece of wood

A slapstick was a theatrical device made of two sticks that clapped loudly when an actor struck someone. Its name came to describe comedy built around exaggerated physical action.

In context

Brit Pops React5:24
you know the sort of uh the visual slapstick pushing each other around
Chuckle Brothers Best Bits - Hoo and Watt | BRITS REACTION

More examples

  • A pratfall added slapstick humor to the performance.
  • The actors rehearsed their slapstick routine carefully.
  • The movie's slapstick involved collapsing chairs and flying pies.

Forms

slapstick

Similar words

farce
Farce uses exaggerated situations and misunderstandings; slapstick specifically emphasizes physical mishaps.
satire
Satire criticizes through humor; slapstick need not carry social criticism.