PRATFALL COMEDIES Meaning and
Definition
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Pratfall comedies refer to a specific genre of comedy that predominantly relies on physical humor and slapstick comedy. The term "pratfall" refers to a comic device in which a character intentionally or accidentally trips, slips, or falls, often resulting in exaggerated and humorous bodily movements or reactions. It is a form of physical comedy that aims to elicit laughter from the audience through the clumsiness or physical blunders of the characters.
In pratfall comedies, the central focus is on physical stunts, mishaps, and comedic falls, which are deliberately exaggerated to evoke laughter. These comedies generally involve exaggerated movements, comedic timing, and physical gags that often involve characters stumbling over objects, slipping on wet surfaces, or falling unexpectedly. The humor in pratfall comedies often stems from the surprise or absurdity of the situation and the reactions of the characters involved.
Pratfall comedies can be found in various forms of entertainment, including film, television, theater, and even circus performances. This genre has been popularized by renowned comedians such as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Lucille Ball. Their impeccable timing, physical agility, and ability to execute well-timed and choreographed pratfalls have made them iconic figures in the pratfall comedy genre.
Overall, pratfall comedies are characterized by their reliance on physical humor, exaggerated falls, and comedic mishaps. They serve as a means to entertain and amuse audiences through absurd and exaggerated physical antics that often result in laughter and joy.
Common Misspellings for PRATFALL COMEDIES
- oratfall comedies
- lratfall comedies
- -ratfall comedies
- 0ratfall comedies
- peatfall comedies
- pdatfall comedies
- pfatfall comedies
- ptatfall comedies
- p5atfall comedies
- p4atfall comedies
- prztfall comedies
- prstfall comedies
- prwtfall comedies
- prqtfall comedies
- prarfall comedies
- praffall comedies
- pragfall comedies
- prayfall comedies
- pra6fall comedies
Etymology of PRATFALL COMEDIES
The word "pratfall", in the context of comedy, originated in the early 20th century. Its etymology is not definitively clear, but there are a couple of theories about its origin.
One theory suggests that "pratfall" is derived from the Middle English word "prat", which meant buttocks. This is supported by the fact that "fall" refers to stumbling or tumbling forward, often landing on the buttocks. Over time, "pratfall" came to specifically refer to a comedic physical stunt or gag involving an exaggerated tumble or stumble.
Another theory proposes that "pratfall" may have come from the French word "pratiquer", meaning "to practice". It is argued that early slapstick performers, known as "fall guys" or "pratfall artists", learned and practiced their stunts extensively to perfect comedic timing and create precise physical comedy routines.
