Send-up

A 'send-up' is a comedic performance that mocks or satirizes a person, institution, or a specific work, often exaggerating their characteristics or flaws for humorous effect. It's a form of parody, intended to amuse the audience by highlighting the absurdity or pretentiousness of the subject. The humor derives from recognizing the original source and the clever twist or alteration in the mimicry. The intention is usually lighthearted, and while it can be critical, its primary goal is to entertain rather than to cause genuine offense. Successful send-ups often leverage mimicry, clever wordplay, and a keen understanding of the subject matter to create an entertaining and thought-provoking performance.

Send-up meaning with examples

• The comedian's send-up of the politician's mannerisms had the audience in stitches. He perfectly captured the distinctive hand gestures and pompous tone, exaggerating them to highlight their absurdity. The jokes were witty and well-researched, demonstrating a clear understanding of the subject matter and resonating deeply with the audience. The performance left everyone laughing at the clever impersonation.
• A popular sketch show regularly featured a send-up of daytime soap operas. The actors used over-the-top acting, melodramatic storylines, and exaggerated facial expressions to lampoon the genre. The parody highlighted the clichés and predictable plotlines, providing viewers with a humorous perspective. The creators' understanding of the original source was clearly evident.
• The art exhibition included a send-up of modern art trends. Sculptures and paintings twisted the established norms by using vibrant colours and a range of unusual shapes, making a humorous comment on the sometimes esoteric nature of the art world. The pieces provoked both laughter and contemplation from viewers, making them a standout amongst the exhibits.
• During the awards ceremony, the presenter delivered a send-up of the film industry's obsession with sequels. He used a dramatic voice and overblown descriptions of repetitive plots, prompting knowing chuckles from the audience. His performance exposed some of the less-than-stellar cinematic choices made by film studios, while remaining light-hearted in the process.
• The magazine published a send-up of celebrity interviews, where they used ridiculously outlandish questions and staged responses to poke fun at the superficiality of those interactions. The humor stemmed from the absurdity of the situation and the exaggerated personalities presented. The article became an instant favourite of their readers.