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farce

noun

/fɑrs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of farce

A comedic genre characterized by exaggerated and absurd situations, actions, or events.
"The play was a hilarious farce filled with mistaken identities and comedic misunderstandings."

Detailed meaning of farce

It is a form of theatrical performance or literary work that aims to entertain and amuse through its comedic and often ridiculous elements. Farces typically involve mistaken identities, miscommunications, and humorous misunderstandings that lead to chaotic and humorous outcomes. The primary objective of a farce is to generate laughter and amusement by presenting situations that defy logic and rationality. The comedic effect in a farce often arises from the fast-paced and exaggerated nature of the plot, with characters engaged in exaggerated physical comedy, slapstick humor, and witty wordplay. Farces often rely on elements such as mistaken entrances and exits, door slamming, and comedic timing to create a sense of uproarious chaos and confusion. The genre of farce serves as an entertaining form of escapism, providing light-hearted humor and laughter through its exaggerated and absurd portrayal of human follies and predicaments.

Example sentences containing farce

1. The political campaign turned into a farce with candidates making outrageous promises.
2. The movie was a delightful farce that had the audience laughing from start to finish.
3. The company's team-building exercise was a farce, with employees stumbling through ridiculous challenges.
4. The courtroom scene in the play was a farce, with the characters getting into absurd arguments.
5. The comedy show relied on farces and slapstick humor to keep the audience entertained.
6. The holiday party turned into a farce when the hired Santa Claus showed up drunk.

History and etymology of farce

The term 'farce' traces its origins to the Old French word 'farse,' which derived from the Latin 'farsa' or 'farcire,' meaning 'to stuff' or 'to fill.' Initially, in medieval France, it referred to humorous interludes or comic scenes inserted into serious plays to entertain the audience. Over time, this comedic style evolved into a distinct genre known for its exaggerated and absurd situations, actions, or events, eventually becoming synonymous with uproarious comedy in the theatrical and literary world. The etymology of 'farce' reflects its historical association with the idea of 'stuffing' humor into a broader narrative, creating a delightful blend of wit and absurdity.

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Further usage examples of farce

1. The politician's attempt to cover up the scandal was a farce, fooling no one.
2. The sitcom was known for its farces, creating humorous misunderstandings between the characters.
3. The dinner party became a farce when the host accidentally spilled soup on a guest's lap.
4. The comedy sketch was a classic farce, with characters entering and exiting through multiple doors in a frenzy.
5. The theater troupe specialized in performing French farces from the 19th century.
6. The school talent show had its fair share of farces, with students forgetting their lines and props falling apart.
7. The political debate turned into a farce, with candidates resorting to personal insults.
8. The play's plot was a farce of mistaken identities, leading to hilarious confusion among the characters.
9. The actor's performance in the farce earned him rave reviews for his impeccable comedic timing.
10. The comedy movie relied on physical farces and over-the-top situations for its humor.
11. The courtroom trial became a farce when the key witness confessed to lying on the stand.
12. The sitcom episode featured a farce in which the characters tried to keep a secret but ended up revealing it to everyone.
13. The farce of a magic show had the audience in stitches as the magician's tricks failed one after another.
14. The play turned into a hilarious farce with mistaken identities.
15. Their attempt at cooking dinner became a chaotic farce.
16. The political debate felt more like a farce than a serious discussion.
17. The office holiday party was a memorable farce of epic proportions.
18. His attempt at DIY home repairs turned into a slapstick farce.
19. The comedy troupe's performance was a side-splitting farce.
20. The courtroom scene in the movie was a brilliant legal farce.
21. The family's road trip turned into a comedic farce of errors.
22. The farce of the magic show had everyone in stitches.
23. Their attempt to organize the charity event ended in a farce.
24. The political satire was a sharp-witted farce that had the audience roaring with laughter.