First Known Use: 1598
Dictionary
1parody
noun par·o·dy \ˈper-ə-dē, ˈpa-rə-\
: a piece of writing, music, etc., that imitates the style of someone or something else in an amusing way
: a bad or unfair example of something
plural par·o·dies
Full Definition of PARODY
1
: a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule
2
: a feeble or ridiculous imitation
— pa·rod·ic \pə-ˈrä-dik, pa-\ adjective
— par·o·dis·tic \ˌper-ə-ˈdis-tik, ˈpa-rə-\ adjective
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Origin of PARODY
Latin parodia, from Greek parōidia, from para- + aidein to sing — more at ode
Synonym Discussion of PARODY
caricature, burlesque, parody, travesty mean a comic or grotesque imitation. caricature implies ludicrous exaggeration of the characteristic features of a subject <caricatures of politicians in cartoons>. burlesque implies mockery especially through giving a serious or lofty subject a frivolous treatment <a nightclub burlesque of a trial in court>. parody applies especially to treatment of a trivial or ludicrous subject in the exactly imitated style of a well-known author or work <a witty parody of a popular novel>. travesty implies that the subject remains unchanged but that the style is extravagant or absurd <this production is a travesty of the opera>.
Other Literature Terms
2parody
verb
: to imitate (someone or something) in an amusing way
parodiedparody·ing
Full Definition of PARODY
transitive verb
1
: to compose a parody on <parody a poem>
2
: to imitate in the manner of a parody
See parody defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PARODY
circa 1745
Other Literature Terms
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