slapstick

[ slap-stik ]
/ ˈslæpˌstɪk /

noun

broad comedy characterized by boisterous action, as the throwing of pies in actors' faces, mugging, and obvious farcical situations and jokes.
a stick or lath used by harlequins, clowns, etc., as in pantomime, for striking other performers, especially a combination of laths that make a loud, clapping noise without hurting the person struck.

adjective

using, or marked by the use of, broad farce and horseplay: a slapstick motion picture.

Origin of slapstick

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; slap1 + stick1

Example sentences from the Web for slapstick

British Dictionary definitions for slapstick

slapstick
/ (ˈslæpˌstɪk) /

noun

  1. comedy characterized by horseplay and physical action
  2. (as modifier)slapstick humour
a flexible pair of paddles bound together at one end, formerly used in pantomime to strike a blow to a person with a loud clapping sound but without injury