Comedy Genres

noun a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations

• The play was criticized for its lack of depth and reliance on farce for humor.
• The movie turned out to be a complete farce, nothing like the trailer promised.
• The whole situation was a total farce, I couldn't believe what was happening.
• Her apology seemed like a farce, as if she didn't really mean it at all.

adjective relating to or resembling farce, especially because of absurd or ridiculous aspects

• The play was criticized for its farcical plot and unrealistic characters.
• The whole situation was just so farcical, I couldn't help but laugh.
• The way they tried to cover up their mistake was just plain farcical.
• The political debate turned into a farcical circus, with each candidate trying to outdo the other.

noun a sharp, often virulent satire directed against an individual or institution

verb to publicly criticize or ridicule with satire

• The satirical newspaper regularly publishes articles that lampoon political figures.
• The comedy show loves to lampoon celebrities and their antics.
• The meme page is known for its ability to lampoon current events with hilarious captions.
• Her sarcastic remarks were a way to lampoon the seriousness of the situation.

noun The term 'panel show' refers to the format of the show rather than a specific genre or topic.

• The panel show featured a diverse group of experts discussing current events.
• I love watching panel shows because they always have interesting debates.
• Panel shows are my jam, I can't get enough of them!
• Being on a panel show felt like being in the hot seat, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

noun a dramatic entertainment, originating in Roman mime, in which performers express meaning through gestures accompanied by music

verb to express or represent something through pantomime

• The actors performed a traditional pantomime at the theater last night.
• We always have a good laugh watching the silly pantomime at the school talent show.
• I can't believe he's still doing that pantomime, it's so cringey.
• Her fake smile was like a pantomime, hiding her true feelings.

noun a pitch thrown with a strong spin that causes it to veer erratically in flight

adjective crazy or eccentric in behavior or character

• The screwball pitch is known for its unpredictable movement and can be difficult for batters to hit.
• That movie we watched last night was a total screwball comedy - so funny!
• I can't believe he pulled that screwball move during the game, what a wild card!
• Her decision to quit her stable job and travel the world was a real screwball choice, but it paid off in the end.

noun a humorous imitation of something, typically a film or a particular genre, in which its characteristic features are exaggerated for comic effect

verb to imitate (something) in a humorous way

• The movie was a clever spoof of classic detective films.
• That spoof video of the cat dancing is hilarious!
• I can't believe he fell for that spoof email claiming he won a free vacation.
• Her behavior was a spoof of someone who is genuinely interested in helping.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

adverb a word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb

pronoun a word that takes the place of a noun

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence

• The unexpected loud noise sent him into fits of anxiety.
• When she saw the spider, it put her into fits of screaming.
• The scary movie sent him into fits of freaking out.
• The comedian's jokes put the audience into fits of laughter.

noun the word itself, which is a compound noun formed by combining 'documentary' and 'comedy'

• The new docucomedy film explores the intersection of reality and humor in a thought-provoking way.
• I love watching docucomedies because they are both funny and informative at the same time.
• Docucomedies are the best when you just want to chill and have a good laugh.
• The docucomedy series shines a light on the absurdity of everyday life in a captivating way.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun, in this case, 'sweary' describes someone or something that uses swear words frequently

• The speaker was asked to refrain from using sweary language during the conference.
• I didn't realize how much I swear until my friend pointed out how often I use sweary words.
• Some people find it cool to use sweary language to sound tough.
• Her anger was so intense that she could feel the heat of sweary words rising in her throat.