Slapstick is a simple type of comedy in which the actors behave in a rough and foolish way.
...slapstick comedy.
...the duo's inspired bursts of slapstick.
Synonyms: farce, horseplay, buffoonery, knockabout comedy More Synonyms of slapstick
slapstick in British English
(ˈslæpˌstɪk)
noun
1.
a.
comedy characterized by horseplay and physical action
b.
(as modifier)
slapstick humour
2.
a flexible pair of paddles bound together at one end, formerly used in pantomime to strike a blow to a person with a loud clapping sound but without injury
slapstick in American English
(slæpˌstɪk)
US
noun
1.
an implement made of two flat pieces of wood that slap together loudly when hit against something: sometimes used by clowns to strike others with loud, harmless slaps
2.
crude comedy in which the humor depends upon violent activity, horseplay, etc.
adjective
3.
characterized by such comedy
Examples of 'slapstick' in a sentence
slapstick
The inflammatory can be infused with slapstick humour.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It makes slapstick comedy seem far more natural.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The gloom is also pierced by moments of unintentional slapstick.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But in the past few weeks, the drama has turned into slapstick comedy.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
And we all agreed that because of the mix of comedy and slapstick challenges it would benefit from having a comedian to host it.
The Sun (2011)
Some saw it as a throwback to uncool sitcoms of the past, others loved its broad humour and slapstick laughs.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
A parade of slapstick comedy paradoxes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
A disjointed slapstick comedy play from the surreal Australian performer.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
This is slapstick humour at its unashamed, in your face, best.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There's no wit here, just slapstick comedy.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
There are some great slapstick moments, including one particularly famous hair-raising scene.
The Sun (2011)
There are some scenes, heavily reliant on the conventions of slapstick humour, which could be construed as comic.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
Sadly, although the two doctors play it straight, we end up with the policeman clowning around and performing slapstick antics.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Well I'm waiting for the slapstick comedy offers to roll in.
The Sun (2011)
This is an enjoyably silly sequel that, in an astute move, relies heavily on the physical comedy and inventive slapstick of the small yellow minions.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Played by the latter, he wanders through a colourful yarn that includes artful violence and broad slapstick comedy, with a dance routine thrown in for good measure.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
(noun)
Definition
rough and high-spirited comedy in which the characters behave childishly