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zany

adjective

/ˈzeɪ ni/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of zany

Eccentric, comical, or wildly unconventional in an amusing and often absurd way.
"She wore a zany hat covered in feathers and flashing lights to the costume party."

Detailed meaning of zany

It describes a person, behavior, or situation that is characterized by unconventional antics, exaggerated gestures, or unconventional choices. A zany individual is often seen as a humorous and energetic person who delights in engaging in unpredictable or outlandish behavior. This adjective is commonly associated with comedy, as it denotes a style that is unconventional, offbeat, and often over-the-top in its approach to humor. A zany comedy may feature bizarre plotlines, slapstick humor, or exaggerated characters that elicit laughter and a sense of amusement. Overall, "zany" captures the spirit of lightheartedness, whimsy, and a disregard for conventional norms, adding a touch of hilarity and unpredictability to the subject at hand.

Example sentences containing zany

1. The zany clown had the children laughing uncontrollably with his silly antics.
2. The zany comedian had the audience in stitches with his offbeat jokes and hilarious impressions.
3. The movie had a zany plot that took unexpected turns and kept viewers entertained.
4. He had a zany sense of fashion, often wearing mismatched patterns and vibrant colors.
5. The zany street performer juggled flaming torches while riding a unicycle.
6. The zany sitcom featured wacky characters and outrageous situations that left viewers laughing.

History and etymology of zany

The adjective 'zany' has its origins in the Italian word 'zanni,' which referred to a stock character in the traditional Italian comedy known as Commedia dell'arte. These 'zanni' characters were known for their eccentric and comical behavior, often engaging in wildly unconventional and absurd antics to amuse the audience. The term 'zani' or 'zany' was later borrowed into English to describe someone or something that is eccentric, comical, or humorously unconventional in an amusing and often absurd way. The etymology of 'zany' underscores its historical association with comedic performance and the portrayal of characters who brought laughter through their eccentric and outlandish behavior.

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Further usage examples of zany

1. The zany magician pulled a live rabbit out of his hat, much to the astonishment of the audience.
2. The party was filled with zany games and activities that kept everyone entertained.
3. The zany cartoon character had exaggerated features and a mischievous personality.
4. She had a zany idea to create a flying car powered by bubblegum.
5. The zany artwork on display at the gallery defied traditional styles and captivated viewers.
6. The zany puppet show had children and adults alike laughing at the amusing dialogues and funny voices.
7. His zany dance moves had everyone on the dance floor laughing and trying to imitate him.
8. The zany inventor created a machine that turned shoes into miniature disco balls.
9. The zany comedy skit featured ridiculous costumes, slapstick humor, and over-the-top performances.
10. The zany street festival featured live music, street performers, and eccentric art installations.
11. The zany cat chased its own tail in circles, providing endless amusement to its owners.
12. The zany game show challenged contestants to complete bizarre and outrageous tasks for prizes.
13. The zany improv troupe had the audience in tears of laughter with their spontaneous and unpredictable sketches.
14. His zany sense of humor always brightened our day.
15. The zany antics of the clown made everyone laugh.
16. The zany comedy show left the audience in stitches.
17. Her zany fashion choices were a topic of conversation.
18. The zany plot twists in the movie kept us guessing.
19. We enjoyed a zany night of improv comedy.
20. The zany characters in the play were unforgettable.
21. His zany ideas often led to unexpected adventures.
22. The zany party theme added a unique touch to the event.
23. We couldn't help but love his zany, carefree spirit.
24. The zany humor of the sitcom appealed to all ages.