The word "vaudevillian" is spelled with three syllables: /vɔːdˈɛvɪliən/. The first syllable "vau" is pronounced with a "v" sound and a diphthong of "ao". The second syllable "dev" is pronounced with a "d" sound and a short "e" vowel sound. The third syllable "il" is pronounced with a long "i" vowel sound and a schwa sound "ən". "Vaudevillian" refers to a performer in a type of variety show that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Vaudevillian refers to an individual or performer who is associated with the vaudeville genre, a popular form of entertainment that emerged in the late 19th century and reached its height of popularity in the early 20th century in the United States and Canada. A vaudevillian is typically a comedic entertainer skilled in various forms of stage performance, including singing, dancing, acting, acrobatics, magic tricks, and slapstick comedy. They often performed in variety shows, which featured a series of distinct acts by different performers.
The term "vaudevillian" can also be used more broadly to describe someone who possesses the characteristics or qualities reminiscent of the vaudeville era. This may include a witty and humorous demeanor, a talent for engaging and entertaining an audience, a knack for physical comedy, or a versatile skill set in different forms of performing arts.
Vaudevillians were known for their ability to captivate and amuse audiences with their comedic timing, lively personalities, and charismatic stage presence. They relied on both scripted material and improvisation to engage their viewers and elicit laughter. While the popularity of vaudeville declined with the rise of other forms of entertainment, the influence of vaudevillian performers on contemporary comedy and entertainment cannot be overstated. Their legacy lives on in the efforts of modern comedians and performers who continue to draw inspiration from the vaudeville tradition.
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The term "vaudevillian" originates from the word "vaudeville", which itself has a complex etymology. Vaudeville refers to a form of variety entertainment that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It consisted of a series of unrelated acts, including comedy sketches, music performances, dance routines, acrobatics, and more. The word "vaudeville" is believed to have evolved from the French term "voix de ville", which translates to "voice of the city".
In the late Middle Ages, "voix de ville" was used to describe the songs and sung dialogues performed by traveling performers in French towns. Over time, it transformed into "vaudeville" and came to represent a specific type of theatrical presentation. As vaudeville gained popularity, performers in this genre came to be known as "vaudevillians".