slapstick

noun

slap·​stick ˈslap-ˌstik 

1

: a device made of two flat pieces of wood fastened at one end so as to make a loud noise when used by an actor to strike a person

2

: comedy stressing farce and horseplay

also : activity resembling slapstick

slapstick adjective

slapsticky

ˈslap-ˌsti-kē 

adjective

Did you know?

The idea that knocking people about made for good comedy dates as far back as the Greco-Roman theater, where clowns rambunctiously "attacked" one another onstage. The object from which the word slapstick derives, however, was invented in Italy in the 16th century. Renaissance comedy typically featured stock characters placed in ridiculous situations, and one such ubiquitous character was Harlequin, whose brilliant costuming made him easily recognizable. Harlequin was given to wielding a paddle which was designed to make a terrible noise when he hit someone, usually to the delight of the audience. This paddle was eventually known in English as a "slapstick," and it became a symbol of that type of highly physical comedy. The word slapstick then came to refer to the comedy itself.

Synonyms of slapstick

• comedy
• humor
• satire

Examples of slapstick in a Sentence

an actor whose roles range from slapstick to serious drama

a lowbrow comedy that relies heavily on slapstick for its laughs

Recent Examples on the Web

As notorious as Cotliar was for his accurate calls on election night, impressive memory, love for college basketball and the Los Angeles Times, he was also known around the newsroom for his occasional near-slapstick temper. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026

Physical comedy and razor-sharp wit collide in this carnival of theatrical surprises — a masterful blend of classic French farce and contemporary slapstick that will leave audiences breathless with laughter, the news release states. — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026

Once the Minions stumble into Hollywood, the film pays homage to early slapstick cinema, recreating scenes made famous by Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 July 2026

Jim Carrey, The Mask 2 Jim Carrey's starring role in 1994's The Mask was just one in a string of box office hits that cemented the actor and comedian as a slapstick icon. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for slapstick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• joystick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• toothpick

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Kids Definition

slapstick

noun

slap·​stick ˈslap-ˌstik 

: comedy stressing horseplay

slapstick adjective