Irreverence
Irreverence is a stance or style characterized by a lack of reverence or ordinary respect toward persons, institutions, or sacred things. It can be intentional and pointed or casual and playful. The word derives from the prefix in- meaning 'not' and reverent, from Latin reverentia, meaning respect, combined to express withholding of respect toward established norms.
Irreverence manifests in various forms, including satire, parody, mockery, and bawdy humor. It can function as
Historically, irreverence has played a role in religious reform, literary and artistic movements, and modern media.
Reception of irreverence varies by culture and context. Some traditions valorize it as a necessary check on