Revue

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹəˈvjuː/

Definitions

1. A theatrical show consisting of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirizing current events or popular culture
2. A type of performance that features a variety of acts including songs, sketches, and dances, usually reflecting social commentary or humor
3. This form of entertainment combines comedic sketches, music, and dance routines, often addressing contemporary issues or trends

Etymology: This term emerged in English during the late 19th century, borrowed directly from French theatrical jargon where it retained a similar meaning. In French, "revue" originally signified a kind of theatrical entertainment composed of a series of short sketches, songs, and dances, often satirizing current events or popular culture. The word itself comes from the French verb "revoir," meaning "to see again" or "to review," which hints at the format’s nature of revisiting or reviewing topical subjects through performance. The concept of this theatrical form developed in Parisian variety theaters and cabarets during the mid-1800s. It was intended as a lively, often humorous reflection on society, politics, and arts, presented in a rapid-fire sequence rather than a single unified narrative. This format allowed for sharp social commentary and kept audiences engaged through its variety and pace. When the idea crossed into English-speaking theaters, the word was borrowed almost intact, preserving both pronunciation and meaning. The English adoption of the term largely coincided with the growth of music halls and variety shows in Britain and America. These entertainment venues favored the revue format as a way to combine humor, music, and dance into a single spectacle that could appeal to a broad audience. Over time, the word’s meaning broadened slightly to include any similar mixed entertainment show, but it has always kept its roots in that original notion of "reviewing" or "looking back" at society through performance. Etymologically, "revue" is closely related to the English word "review," sharing the same Latin root "revidere," which means "to see again." However, while "review" in English developed a wide semantic range including critical assessments and surveys, the French "revue" remained tied to the theatrical form, which is the sense English borrowed. This connection underscores the word’s theatrical meaning as a kind of "seeing again" of familiar themes, repackaged for entertainment and reflection.

Synonyms: show, performance, review, spectacle, musical