parodie

Parody, also written as parodie in some languages, is a form of imitation in which a work, author, or style is replicated to comment on or ridicule the original. The imitator reproduces recognizable features such as tone, structure, diction, or tropes, and the humor or critique arises from the contrast between the source and its new context. Parodies can be verbal, visual, musical, or performative and may target a single work or a broader genre.

The term parodie/parody derives from the French parodie, itself from Greek paraodía, meaning a composition sung beside or in place of another. The device appears across literature, theater, film, music, and online media, and sits among satire, pastiche, and homage. Distinctions vary by context: parody implies critique or mockery; pastiche emphasizes imitation without a critical aim; homage signals reverence.

Techniques include mimicry of diction or plot, spoofing of clichés, or reworking motifs in a new context. Visual parodies imitate style in posters, covers, or films; musical parodies alter lyrics or melodies; performative parodies involve impersonation or exaggerated character portrayal.

Legal and cultural contexts surround parody. It depends on audience recognition and can raise questions of copyright, fair use or fair dealing. In many jurisdictions, parody is protected if it comments on the original and does not misrepresent authorship or harm the source’s market.

Examples and reception vary over time. Classic literature such as Don Quixote is often cited as lampooning the romance tradition. In contemporary media, parodies of films, news, and public figures appear in sketches, memes, and digital formats, illustrating the adaptability of parody across genres and cultures.