lampoon

USAGE SUMMARY

'lampoon' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a humorous attack on an individual or group of people, usually political or social in nature. For example: "The newspaper published a lampoon of the mayor's policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Singers and film-makers lampoon them as the haunts of bored teenagers and desperate housewives.

The Economist

It is easy to lampoon Mr Bush for adding arsenic to the water or favouring more cases of repetitive-strain injury in offices.

The Economist

He says his favourite book is "The Master and Margarita", the uproarious lampoon of early Soviet Russia by Mikhail Bulgakov.

The Economist

Freedom of expression is improving; newspapers lampoon him in commentaries and cartoons.

The Economist

Bemusingly, he demanded a government apology.Such gaffes and inexperience made Mr Kaczynski easy to lampoon.

The Economist

The aim was to lampoon the suggestibility of public figures willing to repeat, with feeling, any nonsense they are told, the bogus gravity of much current-affairs television, the hypocritical voyeurism of media coverage of sex and crime, and a lot else besides.

The Economist

Certainly it is easier to lampoon the regime as ruled by extraterrestrial freaks than to grapple with the suffering it inflicts (The Economist is guilty).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Republicans opposing Kennedy's re-election made sure that their attack ads came with a backing track of "Bridge Over Troubled Water", while National Lampoon magazine ran a memorable spoof advert depicting a VW Beetle floating on water with the caption "If Ted Kennedy drove a Volkswagen, he'd be President today".

Independent

FOR years now, Henry Beard, the founder of National Lampoon, has been pursuing a rollicking crusade to put Latin back in everyday life.

The Economist

She moved to New York City in 1974 and joined Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Harold Ramis, Christopher Guest, John Belushi, and others on The National Lampoon Radio Hour, a weekly comedy radio show that ran November 1973 to December 1974.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There he wrote for The Harvard Lampoon, the school's prestigious humour magazine, and was elected president of the magazine for an unprecedented two consecutive terms in 1983 84.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "lampoon", ensure your audience is familiar with the subject you are satirizing for maximum impact and comedic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "lampoon" when you simply want to criticize. "Lampoon" specifically refers to a satirical and often exaggerated form of ridicule, not just any negative commentary.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lampoon" is to act as a verb meaning to ridicule or satirize. As a noun, it identifies a published work that does so. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lampoon" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a form of satire intended to ridicule or criticize. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used correctly in written English. While versatile, its register tends to be neutral, frequently appearing in news and media contexts, and less so in formal or academic writing. The examples show that authoritative sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica use it to critique and expose perceived flaws in various subjects. If you are looking for alternatives, consider "satirize", "ridicule" or "mock".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satirize

Focuses on using humor to expose folly or vice, often with a corrective intent.

ridicule

Emphasizes mockery and derision, often aiming to diminish the subject's importance.

mock

Implies imitation, often with the intent to make fun of someone or something.

parody

Involves imitating the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect.

spoof

Suggests a lighthearted and playful imitation, often targeting a specific work or genre.

caricature

Exaggerates certain features or aspects of a person or thing to create a comic or grotesque effect.

burlesque

Presents a serious subject in a trivial or comic manner, or vice versa.

travesty

Represents something serious in a distorted and debased form.

make fun of

A general phrase for creating amusement by teasing or ridiculing someone or something.

send up

British English term for humorously imitating or parodying someone or something.

FAQs

How do you use "lampoon" in a sentence?

You can use "lampoon" as a verb, meaning to satirize or ridicule, as in, "The comedian "lampooned" the president's policies." It can also be a noun, referring to a satirical work, such as, "The article was a "lampoon" of the current political climate".

What's the difference between satire and "lampoon"?

"Satire" is a broader term for using humor to critique something, while "lampoon" is a more specific and often harsher form of satire that directly and often viciously attacks an individual or institution.

What are some synonyms for "lampoon"?

Synonyms for "lampoon" include "satirize", "ridicule", "mock", "parody", and "spoof". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to "lampoon" someone in formal writing?

While "lampoon" can be effective, it's generally best suited for informal or creative contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral language unless the intent is explicitly satirical.