What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caricature
Example
The artist created a hilarious caricature of the politician, emphasizing his large nose and bushy eyebrows. [caricature: noun]
Example
She loves to caricature her friends by imitating their voices and mannerisms. [caricature: verb]
spoof
Example
The movie is a hilarious spoof of classic spy films, with exaggerated action scenes and funny dialogue. [spoof: noun]
Example
He spoofed the famous singer's hit song by changing the lyrics to silly and nonsensical phrases. [spoof: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spoof is more commonly used than caricature in everyday language. Spoof is a versatile term that can be applied to a wide range of comedic parodies and imitations, while caricature is more specific to visual representations and satirical portrayals of individuals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caricature and spoof?
While caricature is typically associated with a more formal or artistic context, spoof can be used in both formal and informal settings. Spoof is often employed in popular culture and media, making it suitable for casual conversations and entertainment purposes.