biting comedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "biting comedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of humor that is sharp, incisive, and often critical, typically aimed at social or political issues. Example: "The film was praised for its biting comedy, which cleverly highlighted the absurdities of modern life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is a sly, biting comedy about Vatican politics and social status.

The New York Times

The mistake was just the latest embarrassment for the Liberal-Conservative government, which has faced protests from Swedish and German officials — and a spate of biting comedy show material.

The New York Times

(Nate Chinen) Sandra Bernhard This brash performer brings her hilarious, biting comedy to the last evening of her five-night engagement at Joe's Pub.

The New York Times - Arts

And at the Second Stage Theater, Leslye Headland made a brash splash with "Bachelorette," a biting comedy about three young women on the loose — very loose — in Manhattan on the eve of a friend's wedding.

The New York Times

Two shows created by Louis C.K. won awards: "Better Things," a biting comedy on FX starring its co-creator Pamela Adlon, and "Horace and Pete," which won rave reviews for its writing and throwback format.

The New York Times - Arts

The mixture of compassion for the girls and contempt for their dreams in this biting comedy created an ironic structure that disturbed the majority of critics when it first appeared.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Mr. Lane has said that "The Nance" is the best work yet by the playwright Douglas Carter Beane, who has himself enjoyed critical acclaim for biting comedies like "As Bees in Honey Drown" and the Tony-nominated "The Little Dog Laughed".

The New York Times - Arts

The flaws of "Little Footsteps" have been apparent in Mr. Tally's at times impressive previous work: The satire "Coming Attractions" lacked the originality of biting social comedy, while the adventure saga "Terra Nova" was at its weakest in exploring its characters' relationships.

The New York Times

The film, which focuses on the original production of The Mikado, is also a major change of direction for writer-director Mike Leigh, best known for biting contemporary comedy-drama, such as Life is Sweet, Naked and Secrets and Lies.

The Guardian

Some of the films that Gosling has appeared in in the past six years have been remarkable: The Big Short is biting political comedy-drama, La La Land is a modern musical masterclass, the divisive The Place Beyond the Pines and Only God Forgives are primed for future cult followings, while Blade Runner 2049 is arguably an instant classic but the actor hasn't been the highlight in any of them.

Vice

"He says he does it with what he calls 'poison-tongued comedy,' biting, often dark humor that bluntly exposes the aches and pains, and also the fears, of growing old," Martin writes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "biting comedy" to describe humor that is both funny and critical, often targeting social or political issues. Make sure the context supports the implication of sharpness and wit.

Common error

Avoid using "biting comedy" when the humor is lighthearted or purely for entertainment. The phrase implies a critical edge, so ensure the comedic material possesses that quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "biting comedy" functions as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "comedy" to indicate a specific type of humor characterized by its sharpness and critical nature. Ludwig examples show its use in describing films, plays, and performances.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Arts

19%

Film

9%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "biting comedy" is a descriptive term denoting humor that is sharp, critical, and often satirical. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, used to describe films, plays, and performances with a critical edge. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use it when the humor genuinely incorporates satire and criticism, rather than mere lighthearted entertainment. Alternatives like "satirical humor" or "sharp wit" can be considered based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Satirical humor

Emphasizes the use of satire to create comedy.

Sharp wit

Highlights the intelligence and cleverness behind the comedy.

Ironic comedy

Focuses on the use of irony as a comedic device.

Caustic humor

Emphasizes the harsh and critical nature of the comedy.

Sardonic comedy

Highlights the mocking and cynical tone of the humor.

Acidic wit

Focuses on the sharp and corrosive quality of the humor.

Cutting humor

Emphasizes the incisive and critical nature of the comedy.

Subversive comedy

Highlights the comedy's challenge to established norms.

Dark humor

Emphasizes the bleak or morbid aspects of the comedy.

Black comedy

Similar to dark humor, but often more outrageous and absurd.

FAQs

What does "biting comedy" mean?

"Biting comedy" refers to humor that is sharp, critical, and often satirical, targeting social or political issues.

What are some alternatives to "biting comedy"?

Alternatives include "satirical humor", "sharp wit", or "caustic humor", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How is "biting comedy" different from regular comedy?

"Biting comedy" has a stronger critical and satirical edge compared to regular comedy, which may be purely for entertainment.

Is "biting comedy" always appropriate?

No, "biting comedy" is not always appropriate. It's best used when the context allows for critical or satirical commentary and the audience is receptive to such humor. Consider if "dark humor" is a better fit.