Caricature is a word that is commonly misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkærɪkətjʊər/. The second syllable, "-i-ca-", is often confused with "-i-cu-", leading to the spelling "cari****uture." The word originates from the Italian word "caricatura," meaning a distorted image, and has been used since the 18th century to describe exaggerated or humorous depictions of individuals. Always remember the correct spelling of this word to effectively communicate your message.
A caricature is a form of visual art or comedy that depicts a person, object, or concept, exaggerating certain distinctive features or characteristics for comic or satirical effect. It is often created through a simplified or distorted representation, highlighting prominent physical attributes, facial expressions, or behavioral traits. By highlighting these distinctive features, the artist intends to mock or ridicule the subject in a humorous or satirical manner.
Caricatures are primarily intended to arouse laughter or provoke thought by exploiting recognizable features and mannerisms. They can be found in various forms of media, including newspapers, magazines, cartoons, and social media platforms. Renowned for its humor and social commentary, caricature has long been a prominent means of political satire and social criticism since ancient times.
While caricature is often associated with political and social satire, it can also serve as a form of entertainment or creative expression. Talented caricature artists possess the ability to capture the essence of a person or object through exaggerated visual representation, distilling their unique traits into a single image.
However, it is important to distinguish between caricature and outright mockery or ridicule, as caricature typically aims to amuse and entertain without causing harm or offense. A well-executed caricature accentuates the subject's distinctiveness while remaining lighthearted and witty, allowing viewers to appreciate the artistry and humor inherent in the exaggerated representation.
• A figure or description of a person or thing in which defects are greatly exaggerated in order to make ridiculous.
• To sketch or describe in order to turn into ridicule; to represent as very ugly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "caricature" is derived from the Italian word "caricare", which means "to load" or "to exaggerate". The Italian term is a combination of "carico" (load) and the suffix "-ature" (used to form nouns denoting an action or result). In the context of art, "caricare" was originally used to describe the excessive embellishment or exaggeration in a painting or design. Over time, this term evolved into "caricatura" in Italian, and later into "caricature" in English, referring specifically to a humorous or exaggerated drawing or portrayal of someone or something.