farce

UK: fɑːs | US: fɑːrs

Definition
  1. n. 1. A comic dramatic work using buffoonery and absurd situations.

  2. n. 2. An absurd or hollow pretense; a mockery.

Structure
farc <stuffing>
Etymology

farce = farc<stuffing> + e (silent)

  • farc<stuffing> (from Old French farsir, meaning "to stuff")
  • e (silent letter, no semantic role)

Etymology Origin:
The word "farce" originated in 14th-century French theater, where comedic interludes were "stuffed" between acts of serious plays. The term derives from Old French farsir (to stuff), reflecting the idea of filling a performance with exaggerated humor. Over time, it evolved to describe any absurd or exaggerated imitation, extending beyond theater to mockery in general.

Examples
  1. The play was a hilarious farce, full of mistaken identities and slapstick humor.

  2. The political debate turned into a farce when candidates started shouting over each other.

  3. His apology was a farce—everyone knew he didn’t mean it.

  4. Medieval farces often mocked societal norms with crude jokes.

  5. The trial became a farce due to the judge’s blatant bias.