burlesque

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "burlesque" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a theatrical entertainment that involves exaggerated and humorous performances, often parodying other works or styles. Example: "The burlesque show featured a variety of acts, including comedy, dance, and music, all designed to entertain and amuse the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even the Folies Bergere's burlesque dancers went on strike in Paris during the May 68 whirlwind.

The Guardian

We watched the whole thing in an air-conditioned burlesque bar on 42nd Street.

The Guardian - Sport

A new burlesque played at the Court Theatre on Wednesday night owes an attraction, which is said to have been cordially appreciated by the audience, to the circumstance of its including vivid caricatures of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton among the characters represented.

The Guardian

This time she has one film in competition (James Gray's The Immigrant, in which she plays a 1920s Ellis Island burlesque artist) and one out of the running, Blood Ties (organised crime in 1970s Brooklyn), the English-language debut of her actor/director partner, Guillaume Canet.

The Guardian - Film

Locals flock to Paradise By Way of Kensal Green for contemporary British food and events such as burlesque afternoon tea.

The Guardian - Travel

Burlesque dancer Sherene Flash, who admitted she had been "tipsy", had claimed the singer hit her in the right eye after being asked for a photograph at the Prince's Trust Ball in Berkeley Square, London, last September.

The Guardian - Music

It was the exact opposite, weaving puppets and games around set pieces – which included a rap about going for a smear test and a burlesque act where slogans about equal pay were all that was revealed.

The Guardian

The Blacklips performed a surreal burlesque during which Hegarty rehearsed his spellbinding laments, in a show that also occasionally involved throwing offal and buckets of blood at the audience.

The Guardian - Music

Open nightly 5pm-2am With burlesque girls adorning the dark walls and as fine and varied a selection of whiskeys as you will encounter anywhere in the city, The Trestle Inn quickly became a new favourite when it reincarnated two years ago (It was, in its previous incarnation, one of the city's most famously shady strip bars).

The Guardian - Travel

The film's subject-matter could not be grimmer, yet Lang enlivens grey emptiness with an Otto Dix-like burlesque energy.

The Guardian - Film

However, among the 5,000 women assembling in the Royal Albert Hall for the centenary celebrations will be the presidents of various WIs that cater to younger women, groups as likely to hold burlesque lessons, car maintenance classes and workshops on how to take good selfies as they are to teach quilting or run bake sales.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "burlesque", as its connotations can range from lighthearted humor to risqué entertainment. Adjust your tone accordingly.

Common error

Don't assume that any type of parody or satire is "burlesque". "Burlesque" often involves theatrical elements, exaggeration, and sometimes striptease. Ensure these elements are present before using the term.

Linguistic Context

"Burlesque" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a specific type of theatrical entertainment or a form of parody. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, showcasing its flexibility in expressing both entertainment and critical commentary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Music

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Film

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burlesque" is a versatile term with roots in theatrical entertainment and parody. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can function as a noun, verb, or adjective, carrying connotations ranging from lighthearted humor to critical satire. Its usage is frequent across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Travel, with a leaning towards neutral and informal registers. While it's generally considered grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the audience and context to ensure clarity and appropriateness. Alternatives such as "parody", "satire", and "mockery" offer similar expressive power with subtle differences in emphasis. Use this guide to ensure your writing is precise and impactful when employing "burlesque".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parody

Focuses on mimicking a subject for comedic effect, similar to "burlesque", but without necessarily involving theatrical performance or striptease.

satire

Emphasizes the use of humor to criticize or mock, which is a core component of "burlesque", but can extend to a wider range of subjects and formats.

travesty

Highlights the distorted or debased representation of something, often aligning with the critical or mocking intent of "burlesque".

mockery

Underscores the act of ridiculing or making fun of something, a common element in "burlesque" performances.

caricature

Involves exaggerating specific features for comic effect, which can be a technique used within a "burlesque" show.

lampoon

Publicly criticize (someone or something) by using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm, similar to satire.

spoof

A parody or send-up, often used in a lighthearted and comedic manner.

farce

A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterizations and ludicrously improbable situations.

vaudeville

A type of entertainment popular chiefly in the US in the early 20th century, featuring a mixture of specialty acts such as burlesque comedy and song and dance.

send-up

A parody or satirical imitation; a takeoff.

FAQs

How can "burlesque" be used in a sentence?

Here are some examples: "The show was a "burlesque" of modern politics.", "She performed a classic "burlesque" routine.", or "The event featured various "burlesque" acts".

What is the difference between "burlesque" and "parody"?

"Burlesque" is a specific type of theatrical entertainment that often involves parody, satire, and striptease. "Parody" is a broader term for mimicking something for comedic effect, not always involving performance or sensual elements.

Can "burlesque" be used in formal writing?

Yes, but use it carefully. If you're referring to the art form, it can be appropriate. However, if you're using it to describe something as a "travesty" or "mockery", consider whether a more direct term would be better suited for formal tone.

What are some common elements of a "burlesque" show?

Common elements include comedy, music, dance, and often striptease. The performances typically involve exaggerated characters and situations, designed to entertain through humor and spectacle.