caricature

Definition

A pictorial representation of someone in which distinguishing features are exaggerated for comic effect.

Etymology

From French caricature, from Italian caricatura. Not related to character, which is instead ultimately from Ancient Greek χαρακτήρ (kharaktḗr, “type, nature, character”).

Example Sentences

• "Lo Ching-chong (羅慶忠), better known as L.C.C., showed off a caricature of Lu he did in 2001. In the black-and-white drawing, Lu sports a bird's nest-like hairdo, with a bird perched in it."
• "Men In Black 3 lacks the novelty of the first film, and its take on the late ’60s feels an awful lot like a psychedelic dress-up party, all broad caricatures and groovy vibes."
• "A grotesque caricature of virtue."