How Do You Spell VAUDEVIL?

Pronunciation: [vˈɔːdɛvə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "vaudevil" is incorrect. The correct spelling is "vaudeville" /vɔːdˈvɪl/. The word comes from the French "vau de Vire", meaning "valley of the Vire River", where performers originally entertained crowds. Vaudeville incorporates a variety of acts including comedy, music, dance and more. The phonetic transcription accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, with emphasis on the second syllable and the /v/ and /d/ consonant sounds.

VAUDEVIL Meaning and Definition

1. Vaudevil (also spelled vaudevile) is a theatrical genre and style of performance that emerged in the late 19th century in the United States. Derived from the French word "vaudeville," it refers to a form of variety entertainment that combines various acts such as singing, comedy, dancing, magic, acrobatics, and short theatrical skits.

   Vaudevil shows were commonly staged in theaters, music halls, and vaudeville theaters, and they gained immense popularity in the early 20th century. They typically consisted of a series of individual acts performed by a variety of artists or acts, offering a diverse range of entertainment to the audience. These shows were usually fast-paced, energetic, and designed to appeal to a broad audience.

   The acts featured in vaudevil varied greatly, often catering to different interests and tastes. Performers could showcase their talents in singing popular songs, telling jokes or humorous stories, performing physical stunts, incorporating dance routines or improvisation, and even displaying theatrical skits and one-act plays. Vaudevil acts were known for their short duration, typically lasting around ten minutes or less.

   Vaudevil played a significant role in shaping American popular culture, serving as an entertainment outlet for both working-class and middle-class audiences. It provided a platform for aspiring performers to showcase their talents, many of whom went on to achieve great success in other entertainment industries, such as film and radio.

   Today, while vaudevil has declined in popularity as a standalone genre, its influence can still be seen in modern-day variety shows, comedy clubs, and cabaret performances.

2. A kind of lively song, sung in couplets, with a refrain; a theatrical piece intermingled with light or satirical songs.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for VAUDEVIL

• vaudevill
• vaudeville
• vaudevilla
• caudevil
• baudevil
• gaudevil
• faudevil
• vzudevil
• vsudevil
• vwudevil
• vqudevil
• vaydevil
• vahdevil
• vajdevil
• vaidevil
• va8devil
• va7devil
• vausevil
• vauxevil
• vaucevil

Etymology of VAUDEVIL

The word "vaudeville" is derived from the French term "vaudevire", which originated in the late 16th century. It comes from two words: "vaux", meaning "valley" or "swamp", and "de", meaning "of" or "from". The term was initially associated with short, satirical songs about contemporary events or social issues, often performed in the Vaux-de-Vire region of Normandy, France. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of comic theatrical entertainment, incorporating various acts such as comedy skits, acrobatics, magic shows, and musical performances. In the mid-19th century, vaudeville gained popularity in the United States and became synonymous with variety entertainment. However, the spelling of the word changed to "vaudeville" in English, likely to reflect the way it was pronounced.