Today, the term burlesque is commonly associated with extravagant theater performances that often include stripteases. It can also refer to a form of mockery through caricature or a literary or dramatic parody. However, when first introduced into English in the mid-17th century, the word was an adjective meaning “grotesque” or “comical”. Over time, it evolved to specifically denote burlesque works of art or writing. The term was borrowed from the Italian burlesco, which literally translates to “joke-like”. In Italian, burla means “joke” or “prank”. This term is believed to have originated from Late Latin burra, which meant “nonsense” but more literally referred to a “wool garment” (also the source of the word bureau). This association with triviality led to its use in the context of humor and mockery.
