Parodical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Pertaining to a creative expression that humorously imitates another work, often to entertain or critique it while exaggerating its traits and elements
2. Describing a style that utilizes comic imitation to reveal the absurdities of original subjects and provoke laughter or thought
3. Characterized by a form of humor that mimics another creation to highlight its flaws, exaggerate characteristics, and often provide social commentary

Etymology: "Parodical" is simply "parody" with the adjectival suffix "-ical" added on. "Parody" came into English through Latin "parodia" from Greek "parōidia," a compound of "para," meaning "beside" or "alongside," and "ōidē," meaning "song" or "ode." The original sense was a song sung alongside another, which is a useful picture of how the word began: a parody was once a piece of music that borrowed another's tune or verses and bent them to a new purpose. The suffix "-ical" comes from Latin "-ālis" by way of Old French "-al" and "-el," and entered English in Middle English as "-al" and "-ical." Attaching it to "parody" produces an adjective describing work that has the character of parody. Because the suffix simply names a relation, "parodical" and the more common "parodic" mean essentially the same thing, and the form is an ordinary English formation rather than a separate coinage.

Synonyms: satirical, mocking, ironic, facetious, ridiculing

Antonyms: serious, sincere, earnest, genuine, straightforward