Parody vs. Burlesque — What's the Difference?

Imitation of a particular writer, artist, or genre, exaggerating it deliberately to produce a comic effect:

Uses bold expressions of humor and exaggeration:

Mimic the style of a particular artist or genre for comic effect:

A humorous and provocative stage show featuring slapstick humor, comic skits, and sometimes striptease performances:

A humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece of literature or writing:

Involves extravagant musical and dramatic parody:

Often uses exaggeration to highlight absurd aspects of the original work:

Often targets a wide range of subjects for ridicule:

Typically involves mocking or making fun of the original work:

A literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works:

A parody, also called a spoof, a send-up, a take-off, a lampoon, a play on (something), or a caricature, is a creative work designed to imitate, comment on, and/or make fun of its subject by means of satiric or ironic imitation. Often its subject is an original work or some aspect of it — theme/content, author, style, etc.

A burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects. The word derives from the Italian burlesco, which, in turn, is derived from the Italian burla – a joke, ridicule or mockery.Burlesque overlaps in meaning with caricature, parody and travesty, and, in its theatrical sense, with extravaganza, as presented during the Victorian era.

A literary or artistic work that uses imitation, as of the characteristic style of an author or a work, for comic effect or ridicule.

A literary or dramatic work that makes fun of something, often by means of outlandish exaggeration.

A genre, as in literature, comprising such works.

A ludicrous or mocking imitation; a travesty

Something so bad as to be equivalent to intentional mockery; a travesty

A variety show characterized by broad ribald comedy, dancing, and striptease.

(Music) The practice of reworking an already established composition, especially the incorporation into the Mass of material borrowed from other works, such as motets or madrigals.

To imitate mockingly or humorously

To make a parody of.

To use the methods or techniques of burlesque.

A work or performance that imitates another work or performance with ridicule or irony.

(dated) Parodical; parodic

A popular maxim, adage, or proverb.

A derisive art form that mocks by imitation; a parody.

To make a parody of something.

A ludicrous imitation; a caricature; a travesty; a gross perversion.

A writing in which the language or sentiment of an author is mimicked; especially, a kind of literary pleasantry, in which what is written on one subject is altered, and applied to another by way of burlesque; travesty.

To make a burlesque parody of.

A popular maxim, adage, or proverb.

To ridicule, or to make ludicrous by grotesque representation in action or in language.

To write a parody upon; to burlesque.

Tending to excite laughter or contempt by extravagant images, or by a contrast between the subject and the manner of treating it, as when a trifling subject is treated with mock gravity; jocular; ironical.

A composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way

Ludicrous representation; exaggerated parody; grotesque satire.

Humorous or satirical mimicry

An ironical or satirical composition intended to excite laughter, or to ridicule anything.

Make a spoof of or make fun of

A ludicrous imitation; a caricature; a travesty; a gross perversion.

Make a parody of;

To ridicule, or to make ludicrous by grotesque representation in action or in language.

To employ burlesque.

A theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)

A composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way

Make a parody of;

Relating to or characteristic of a burlesque;

A parody is a humorous or satirical imitation of a serious piece, aimed at mocking or making fun of its style or subject.

Parody specifically targets and mimics the style of particular works for comic effect, whereas satire is broader, critiquing social norms and behaviors.

Historically starting as a theatrical parody, modern burlesque has evolved to include elements of variety shows, cabaret, and even circus performances.

Attendees should expect a lively, often provocative show that combines humor, dance, and theatrical antics, designed to entertain and occasionally challenge societal norms.

Depending on its content and the audience’s sensibilities, burlesque can be seen as provocative, but it is generally intended as playful and entertaining satire.

Creators use parody to critique, comment on, or poke fun at original works, highlighting their absurdities or flaws through humor.

Common elements include slapstick comedy, elaborate costumes, musical performances, and sometimes striptease.

Burlesque is a form of entertainment that uses comedy, exaggeration, and theatricality, often including risqué elements, to entertain and provoke thought.

In many jurisdictions, parody is protected under fair use laws, allowing for creative and critical expression without infringing on copyright.

Parody aims to entertain by closely imitating and exaggerating specific works, while burlesque seeks to engage and amuse audiences with a broader approach to satire and performance.