Comedian vs. Comedienne — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Comedian is a performer who tells jokes or acts out comedic sketches. Comedienne is a female performer who does the same, though less commonly used now.
Difference Between Comedian and Comedienne
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Comedian and Comedienne are distinguished primarily by gender. The term comedian can refer to any comedy performer regardless of gender, while comedienne is specifically used for female comedians. This gender distinction, however, is becoming less common, with 'comedian' increasingly used for all.
A comedian is an entertainer who performs comedy, making people laugh through jokes, stories, or acting. Historically, comedienne was the female equivalent. Today, the word comedian has become gender-neutral, often encompassing both male and female performers in the world of comedy.
When we talk about famous comedians, names like Charlie Chaplin or Richard Pryor might come to mind. If we speak of comediennes, we might reference Lucille Ball or Tina Fey. Each term sets an expectation of gender, though the function—providing humor—is identical for both.
In the evolving landscape of English, the specificity of comedienne is less favored. People are moving towards a non-gendered language, particularly in professions. Therefore, the term comedian is now commonly used to refer to all individuals who perform comedy, regardless of gender.
In professional settings, using comedian for both men and women is increasingly preferred to avoid unnecessary gender classification. However, comedienne may still be used for stylistic reasons or personal preference, despite the societal shift towards gender-neutral language in comedy and other fields.
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Comparison Chart
Gender
Traditionally any, now often male or gender-neutral
Traditionally female
Usage
More common, gender-neutral
Less common, gender-specific
Language Trend
Increasingly used for all comedians
Usage declining in favor of gender-neutral terms
Examples
Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle
Amy Schumer, Ellen DeGeneres
Connotation
Professional performer in comedy
Specifically denotes a woman in comedy
Compare with Definitions
Comedian
Professional joke teller
As a stand-up comedian, he tours the country.
Comedienne
Female comedy performer
The comedienne's wit stole the show.
Comedian
A comic actor
He's a skilled comedian in both film and theatre.
Comedienne
Woman stand-up artist
She broke barriers as a stand-up comedienne.
Comedian
Writer of humor
The comedian's new book is a bestseller.
Comedienne
Actress in comedic roles
She's a comedienne known for her sitcom roles.
Comedian
A person who behaves in a comic manner
My uncle is quite the comedian at family gatherings.
Comedienne
Female humorist
The comedienne's column offers a humorous take on life.
Comedian
Performer of comedy
The comedian had the whole audience in stitches.
Comedienne
A female comedian.
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting foolish (as in slapstick), or employing prop comedy.
Comedienne
A woman professional entertainer who tells jokes or performs various other comic acts.
Comedian
An entertainer on stage or television whose act is designed to make an audience laugh
A stand-up comedian
They sat watching an Irish comedian telling jokes
Comedienne
(dated) A female comedian.
Comedian
A professional entertainer who tells jokes or performs various other comic acts.
Comedienne
A women who plays in comedy.
Comedian
An actor in comedy.
Comedienne
A female actor in a comedy
Comedian
A writer of comedy.
Comedienne
A female comedian
Comedian
A person who amuses or tries to be amusing; a clown.
Comedienne
Funny woman
My aunt is a real comedienne during dinner parties.
Comedian
An entertainer who performs in a humorous manner, especially by telling jokes.
Comedian
(by extension) Any person who is humorous or amusing, either characteristically or on a particular occasion.
Comedian
(dated) A person who performs in theatrical plays.
Comedian
(obsolete) A writer of comedies.
Comedian
An actor or player in comedy.
Comedian
A writer of comedy.
Comedian
A professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
Comedian
An actor in a comedy
Common Curiosities
Why is comedienne less used today?
There's a broader movement towards gender-neutral language in professions.
Is comedienne still a commonly used term?
Comedienne is less commonly used now, as comedian often serves as a gender-neutral term.
Does the meaning of comedian and comedienne differ?
No, both terms denote a person who performs comedy; the difference lies in gender reference.
Do comedians only perform stand-up?
No, comedians can work in various formats, including film, television, and writing.
Was comedienne ever the more popular term?
Comedienne was commonly used when gender-specific titles were the norm.
Are there any famous comediennes who prefer that title?
Some female comedians may still prefer the term comedienne, though it varies by individual.
Is the term comedienne considered offensive?
It's not generally considered offensive, but its necessity is questioned by some.
Can the term comedian refer to both men and women?
Yes, comedian is used for any gender.
Can a dramatic actor be a comedian?
Yes, if they perform or write comedy as well.
Is it incorrect to call a woman a comedian?
No, it's widely accepted and often preferred to use comedian for all genders.
Does comedian imply professionalism?
Comedian often implies a professional level of performance in comedy.
Can anyone who tells a joke be called a comedian?
Informally, yes, but professionally, it implies a career in comedy.
Has the use of comedienne declined in all English-speaking countries?
Yes, there has been a general decline in favor of the gender-neutral comedian.
Are there male equivalents for comedienne?
Historically no, as comedian served both roles, and continues to do so.
Can comedians be humorous writers?
Yes, comedians can also be known for their humorous writing.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
