"Most vaudeville" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /moʊst vɔːdˈvɪl/. The word "most" is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a "st" ending, while "vaudeville" is pronounced with a stress on the first syllable and a long "o" sound. Vaudeville refers to a type of variety entertainment popular in the early 20th century, characterized by humorous skits, song-and-dance routines, and sometimes risqué content. The spelling of this word remains unchanged across different varieties of English.
There is no specific dictionary definition for the term "most vaudeville" as it appears to be a combination of two words with their respective meanings. "Most", as an adjective, is often used to indicate the highest degree or greatest extent of something. "Vaudeville", on the other hand, refers to a type of variety entertainment that was popular in the United States and Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a series of unrelated acts such as comedy sketches, song and dance routines, acrobatics, and magic tricks.
However, if we were to combine these two words to form the phrase "most vaudeville," we could interpret it as an expression indicating something that epitomizes or embodies the essence, style, or spirit of vaudeville entertainment. "Most vaudeville" could refer to a performance, individual, or element that represents the pinnacle or quintessence of what vaudeville was known for—its energetic, diverse, and eclectic nature.
For instance, one might say that a theatrical show which features an array of talented performers showcasing a variety of acts, with colorful costumes, comedic skits, lively music, and impressive acrobatic stunts, is "most vaudeville" in its presentation. In summary, "most vaudeville" could be understood as an expression to describe something that exemplifies the lively and multifaceted entertainment style of vaudeville.
The term "vaudeville" originally comes from the French word "vaudevire", which was derived from "vau de Vire". Vau de Vire was the name of a valley in Normandy, France, renowned for its satirical songs and comedic performances. In the 18th century, these performances were known as "chansons de vaudevire" or "chansons de cour".
The term made its way to the United States in the late 19th century, where it referred to a form of variety entertainment that featured a mixture of comedic sketches, music, acrobatics, magic acts, and other similar performances. Vaudeville shows gained immense popularity and became a staple of American entertainment culture for several decades.
As for the phrase "most vaudeville", it seems to be a comparison or superlative form to indicate something as being very characteristic of or resembling vaudeville.