Burlesque
/bɜːrˈlɛsk/noun
A humorous, exaggerated imitation or theatrical performance; also, a style of variety entertainment featuring parody and striptease.
Did you know?The word entered English through French from Italian, where it originally meant a comic, mocking treatment of serious subjects—not a dance style at all.
Etymological Timeline
Early 16th Century
Italian
burlesco
“Comic, ludicrous, mocking”
16th Century
Italian
burla
“A joke, jest, prank, or mockery”
16th Century
French
burlesque
“Comic, grotesque, or mock-heroic in style”
17th Century
English
burlesque
“A mocking imitation; a comic parody of serious writing or performance”
Modern English
English
burlesque
“A parody or theatrical entertainment built on exaggeration and sensual spectacle”