Operettist

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A musician or playwright who focuses on creating or performing short, light operas that often feature elements of comedy and romance
2. An artist who composes or acts in light musical dramas that blend songs, dances, and entertaining narratives
3. A performer or composer known for engaging in the creation or interpretation of light opera, typically incorporating humor and romance into the works

Etymology: "Operettist" is a plain formation: the noun "operetta" with the agent suffix "-ist", meaning a person who performs in or works on operettas. The suffix comes from Greek "-istes", which denotes someone who practises or is concerned with something, as in "pianist" or "artist". "Operetta" is itself a diminutive of "opera", the Italian word for work or composition, which took on the sense of a staged musical drama in the 1600s. The smaller form, meaning a little opera, was used for lighter, shorter works with spoken dialogue, and the term became established in English in the 19th century as the name for works of that kind.

Synonyms: musical, composer