madcap farce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "madcap farce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a chaotic, humorous situation or a comedic play that is characterized by absurdity and high energy. Example: "The play was a madcap farce that had the audience laughing from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

November 14 2015 November 17 201515 The long-awaited new production of Berg's "Lulu" is by the essential South African artist and director William Kentridge, who made his Met début in 2010 with Shostakovich's madcap farce "The Nose".

The New Yorker

The madcap farce marked the second screen pairing of Cary Grant and Irene Dunne, who gave memorable performances as a couple reunited when the wife is rescued after having been marooned for seven years on an island.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Wickets" is at its most effective when hovering deftly in this in-between state (insert flying metaphor here), simultaneously operating as madcap farce, probing emotional exploration and feminist critique.

The New York Times

Then it careens into madcap farce that is Stroman at its best, complete with a chase scene for a battalion of brides, some in drag, accompanied by a scampering small dog.

The New York Times - Arts

Of course, his trusty valet Jeeves Matthew Macfadyenn) is soon called upon to initiate him into such mysteries as scenery and, together with Aunt Dahlia's wheezy old butler, Seppings (Mark Hadfield),  to play a dizzying array of roles in a madcap farce that involves a silver cow-creamer, blackmail, a couple of fiances and a fascist.

Independent

In the late nineteen-nineties, the Druid, the Royal Court, and the National — theatres that had produced his work in the past — refused to stage "The Lieutenant of Inishmore," whose graphic depiction of torture, murder, and dismemberment, even within the framework of a madcap farce, was deemed both offensive and politically insensitive.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His willingness to plunge in body and soul serves Mr. Wahlberg in ambitious, demanding films: Mr. Russell's madcap farces, Paul Thomas Anderson's "Boogie Nights," the near Greek-tragic family dramas of the writer-director James Gray ("The Yards," "We Own the Night").

The New York Times

With Hepburn he appeared in the drag comedy Sylvia Scarlett (1935), the classic screwball comedies Holiday (1938) and Bringing Up Baby (1938), and the upper-class satire The Philadelphia Story (1940), and with Dunne he made the madcap farces The Awful Truth (1937) and My Favorite Wife (1940) as well as the comic tearjerker Penny Serenade (1941).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Manic word play abounds, especially in "Enigma Variations," a madcap identity farce with two pairs of doppelgangers.

Huffington Post

What it lacks almost completely (in addition to wit) is an internal design — the farce's madcap spiralling of rigorous logic, which carries both plot and personality to the point of disintegration.

The New Yorker

What it lacks almost completely (in addition to wit) is an internal design the farce's madcap spiralling of rigorous logic, which carries both plot and personality to the point of disintegration.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "madcap farce", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation or performance characterized by extreme silliness and chaos intended for comedic effect. This phrase is most effective when describing theatrical productions, films, or real-life events with exaggerated and improbable elements.

Common error

Avoid using "madcap farce" to describe situations that are merely humorous or slightly chaotic. The phrase implies a level of absurdity and exaggerated action that goes beyond simple comedy. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "madcap farce" functions as a noun phrase, where "madcap" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "farce". It describes a specific type of comedic work characterized by its chaotic and absurd nature, aligning with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "madcap farce" is a valid and usable English phrase, albeit not very common. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for describing highly chaotic and absurd comedic situations. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it effectively communicates the nature of a performance or event marked by silliness and improbable scenarios. When employing this phrase, remember to convey the extreme absurdity inherent in the concept and avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives such as "zany comedy" or "slapstick comedy" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

zany comedy

Replaces "madcap" with "zany", focusing on the eccentric and amusing nature of the comedy.

slapstick comedy

Emphasizes physical humor and exaggerated actions, a common element in farces.

absurd comedy

Highlights the illogical and irrational elements present in the comedic situation.

screwball comedy

Focuses on fast-paced, unconventional humor and eccentric characters.

wildly funny situation

Shifts from a theatrical term to a more general description of a humorous scenario.

chaotic comedy

Stresses the disorder and confusion contributing to the humor.

ludicrous situation

Replaces both words with a general depiction of the ridiculous event.

preposterous comedy

Uses a different adjective to highlight the absurdity of the comedy.

farcical situation

Omits the adjective and only specifies the type of event.

hilarious chaotic mess

Focuses on the funny and disordered characteristics of the described situation.

FAQs

How to use "madcap farce" in a sentence?

You can use "madcap farce" to describe a situation or performance characterized by extreme silliness and chaos intended for comedic effect. For example: "The play was a "madcap farce" that had the audience laughing from start to finish."

What can I say instead of "madcap farce"?

You can use alternatives like "zany comedy", "slapstick comedy", or "absurd comedy" depending on the context.

What are the key elements of a "madcap farce"?

A "madcap farce" typically involves fast-paced action, mistaken identities, improbable situations, and exaggerated characters, all contributing to a highly comedic and absurd experience.

Is "madcap farce" appropriate for formal writing?

While "madcap farce" is a valid English phrase, it's more suited for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "comedy" or specifying the comedic style (e.g., "satire", "parody") if appropriate.