Parody

Parody is a creative work that imitates or closely mimics the style, subject, or specific elements of another work in order to comment on, critique, or amuse. Parody relies on the audience recognizing the original material and uses transformation—changing aspects such as tone, context, or content—to offer satire, humor, or reflection. Parody differs from pastiche, which imitates style without explicit critical intent, and from satire that aims to critique broader social or political issues without necessarily imitating a particular source.

Parody appears across literary, musical, visual, and digital cultures. In literature and theater, it often targets popular genres or well-known works. In music, artists such as Weird Al Yankovic create songs that imitate melodies or genres while delivering new lyrics. In film and television, spoof films and episodes lampoon familiar franchises and genres. Internet culture frequently uses memes and short videos to parody contemporary events or trends. Parody can entertain, illuminate weaknesses in the source material, or provoke discussion about cultural conventions.

Legal and cultural notes: Parody commonly relies on transformation and commentary, and many jurisdictions legally protect it as fair use or fair dealing when it comments on the original. However, legal outcomes vary by country and context, and not all parodies are exempt from copyright claims. Critics argue that parody sustains cultural discourse by challenging norms, while others worry about blurring lines between criticism and commercial appropriation. Notable examples include Spaceballs (film parodying Star Wars) and Weird Al's musical parodies.