burlesque Definition

burlesque
noun

1. A piece of literature, acting or some other presentation which exaggerates, demeans or mocks a serious subject or art form. See also travesty.

Thesaurus: caricature, mockery, parody, ridicule, satire, send-up, spoof, travesty.
(N Amer, especially US)
2. A type of theatrical entertainment involving humorous sketches, songs and usually strip-tease.

adj

1. Belonging to or like a burlesque.

Thesaurus: comic, derisive, droll, farcical; Antonym: serious.

verb

burlesqued, burlesquing
1. To make fun of something using burlesque; to make a burlesque of it.

Etymology: 17c: French, from Italian burlesco, from burla jest.