Pastiche
/pæsˈtiːʃ/
nounC1
Definition
A pastiche is a creative work that imitates or copies the style of one or more other works or artists. It can be a mix of different styles combined to make something new. People often use it to honor or make fun of the original styles.
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See It in Action
Artistic work imitating multiple styles
- •The novel is a pastiche of classic detective stories and modern thrillers.
- •The film is a pastiche of 1950s sci-fi and noir movies.
- •Her painting is a pastiche of impressionism and abstract art.
A mixture or combination of different styles or elements
- •The restaurant's menu is a pastiche of Italian, Mexican, and Japanese dishes.
- •The fashion show was a pastiche of vintage and futuristic designs.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pastiche" like "copy" (A1 word), but instead of copying exactly, it mixes many styles together in a creative way.
- ✓Picture a colorful patchwork quilt made of different pieces of cloth, each from a different pattern or design.
- ✓It's the feeling when you watch a movie or read a book that reminds you of many other famous stories or styles all at once.
- ✓Sounds like "pass-TEESH" → Imagine someone passing a dish (pasta) made of many different ingredients mixed carefully.
- ✓Think of a movie that uses old film styles and music from different times to make a new story that feels familiar but new.
- ✓NOT like "plagiarism" (copying without permission or creativity)—pastiche is often respectful or playful copying.
- ✓NOT like "parody" (funny or mocking imitation)—pastiche can be serious or playful but usually not mocking.
- ✓NOT like "original" (something completely new)—pastiche is made by combining or imitating existing styles.
Try Other Words
- •Imitation: copying style or behavior (Use when focusing on copying one style exactly)
- •Medley: a mixture of different things (Use when emphasizing a mix of elements, often in music)
- •Collage: a work made by combining different pieces (Use when talking about visual art made from various parts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (none clearly separable in English)
- •Etymology: From French "pastiche," from Italian "pasticcio," meaning a pie or mixture of different ingredients
- •Historical development: Originally meant a type of messy pie, later used in art to mean a mixture of styles
- •Modern usage: Used in art, literature, music to describe works that blend or copy styles from others, often respectfully or playfully
Reflect & Connect
•How can creating a pastiche help artists learn about different styles and cultures?
•Can a pastiche be considered original art, or is it always just copying? Why?
Fill in the blanks
1.A pastiche is often created by combining ___ styles or elements from different works.
2.Unlike plagiarism, a pastiche usually shows ___ or respect for the original styles.
3.A pastiche can be found in art, music, or ___ where different styles are mixed.
4.When a work is a pastiche, it may remind the audience of ___ famous artists or periods.
5.A pastiche is different from a parody because it is usually not meant to ___ the original.
6.The artist used a pastiche of colors and shapes to ___ a new visual effect.
7.A pastiche often ___ elements from many sources to create something new but familiar.