Grotesque

/ɡroʊˈtɛsk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A grotesque figure or image, especially in art or literature.

The ancient statues contained grotesques that illustrated the myths of the time.

adjective

Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted.

The film's grotesque special effects scared away half the audience.

Very strange or ugly in a way that is often frightening.

The artist was known for his grotesque depictions of human figures.

Outlandish or absurd in an exaggerated manner.

His behavior at the party reached a grotesque level of ridiculousness.

Italian 'grottesca', from 'grotta' meaning cave, due to their discovery in Roman grottos.

grotesque humor

Humor that is absurd, outrageous or involves exaggerated situations.

grotesque mismatch

A situation or combination that is absurdly incompatible.

grotesque distortion

A warped or exaggerated representation of something.

grotesquerie

A bizarre or monstrous quality.

grotesqueness

The state of being grotesque.

grotesquely

In a grotesque manner.

Totally weird or absurd.

That movie was so grotesque, it was hard to watch.

Over-the-top ridiculous.

His outfit was grotesque, even for a costume party.