Word of the Day: FARCICAL

Utterly ridiculous, unlikely, or absurd

farcical (adj) - comedically unlikely or unreasonable; ludicrous or absurd [fahr-si-kuhl]

• farce is a satirical comedy based on highly exaggerated, absurd, and improbable plot points; a travesty, mockery, or sham

BREAKDOWN: Farce has been a comedy staple for ages but our word to describe it is relatively recent. Its first instance in English in the 14th century was culinary, borrowed from the French word for forcemeat, a mixture of chopped and seasoned meat or vegetables used as a stuffing or garnish. Roughly 200 years later, the word farce was applied to examples of low comedy and ludicrous satire.

"Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony." —Michael Palin

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]