Cartoonesque

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A style that is strikingly exaggerated and humorous, often reminiscent of animated characters or caricatures
2. A characteristic marked by playful distortions and exaggerated features, akin to animated representations
3. A distinctive manner of representation that emphasizes humor through exaggerated forms and features typically associated with animated caricatures

Etymology: "Cartoonesque" is simply "cartoon" with the suffix "-esque" attached, a combination that means "in the manner of" or "resembling." The suffix came into English from French and Italian, where it was used to make adjectives describing things done in the style of a particular artist or thing, as in "Romanesque" or "picturesque." Attaching it to "cartoon" gives a word meaning "in the style of a cartoon." "Cartoonesque" is a doublet of "cartoonish," meaning the two words developed separately from the same base but ended up as distinct forms in English. Both express the same idea, though "cartoonish" is the more common of the two and "cartoonesque" carries a slightly more deliberate, stylized flavor, as the -esque ending often does.

Synonyms: cartoon-like, animated

Antonyms: realistic, lifelike