burlesque
noun /bɜːˈlesk/
/bɜːrˈlesk/
- [countable] a performance or piece of writing which tries to make something look silly by representing it in a humorous way synonym parody
- a burlesque of literary life
- [uncountable] a type of entertainment involving humorous acts, singing, dancing, etc. and often including striptease
Word Originmid 17th cent.: from French, from Italian burlesco, from burla ‘mockery’, of unknown origin.