Word: lampoon (verb, noun)

Associations

"Lampoon" means to make fun of someone or something in a very strong and often funny way, usually by using satire or humor to criticize.

• As a verb: "The comedian lampooned the politician's speech." Here, it means the comedian made fun of the politician’s speech.
• As a noun: "The magazine published a lampoon of the celebrity’s lifestyle." This means the magazine created a funny and critical piece about the celebrity.
• Often used in writing, cartoons, or performances that criticize people or ideas by making them look silly.

Synonym: "satirize" — Both mean to criticize using humor. But "lampoon" is often sharper and more direct, sometimes more mocking, while "satirize" can be gentler or more subtle.

Substitution

Instead of "lampoon," you can use:

• mock (more general, can be less clever)
• parody (focuses on copying in a funny way)
• ridicule (stronger, more negative)
• satirize (more formal, often with a moral point)

Each changes the tone: "mock" is simple teasing, "parody" is imitation, "ridicule" is harsh, and "satirize" is clever criticism.

Deconstruction

The word "lampoon" comes from French "lampon," which means to drink quickly or to gulp. It changed to mean a sharp or biting piece of writing, as if "gulping down" criticism.

• No prefix or suffix in English form.
• The idea is that a lampoon "drinks up" or attacks its target quickly and sharply.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you saw a cartoon or show lampooning something in your country?
• How is lampooning different from just joking about someone?
• Would you use lampoon in a friendly or serious situation? Why?