Grotesque
/ɡrəʊˈtɛsk/noun
Strange or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd.
Did you know?The word 'grotesque' originates from a style of art that emerged from the ruins of ancient Rome, which often depicted bizarre and eerie figures, reflecting humanity's fascination with the uncanny.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
grotto
“a cave or cavern, often decorated with strange and fantastic forms”
Renaissance
Italian
grottesca
“a style of decorative painting resembling the grotesque forms found in ancient Roman ruins”
16th Century
French
grotesque
“relating to the style of art depicting bizarre and unnatural figures”
17th Century
English
grotesque
“pertaining to something strange, ugly, or unnatural in appearance or character”