slapstick

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Noun 1.2.1 Derived terms

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From slap + stick, the English translation of the batacchio. The slapstick was a pair of sticks tied together that made a loud noise when struck together, and was used by the comic character Harlequin in the commedia dell'arte.

[edit] Noun

slapstick (countable and uncountable; plural slapsticks)

1. (uncountable) physical comedy, e.g. slipping on a banana peel
2. (countable) a pair of sticks tied together at one end and used to create a slapping sound effect for (1)

[edit] Derived terms

• slapsticker
• slapstickery