Travesty
/ˈtræv.ə.sti/noun
A mockery or grotesque imitation of something serious or respected.
Did you know?Travesty comes from French travesti, meaning “disguised” or “dressed in costume,” from Latin trans- “across” + vestire “to dress,” so its earliest sense was literally a change of clothing, not a joke.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
trans- + vestire
“to dress across, put on clothing”
Late Latin
Latin
transvestire
“to dress differently; disguise”
Old French
French
travestir
“to disguise, alter the dress or appearance of”
16th Century
French/English
travesty
“a parody or burlesque representation”
Modern English
English
travesty
“a grotesque or farcical imitation; a mockery”