For today’s Weird Word Wednesday, let’s look at three literary terms that start with B: bathos, bildungsroman, and burlesque.

Here’s what www.merriam-webster (unabridged edition) says about these words:

bathos

Pronunciation: [ ˈbā-ˌthäs ]

Part of speech: Noun

Definition:  The suddenness or unexpected commonplace in writing or speaking otherwise elevated in style or content; sentimentalism.

Origin:  Greek

“Bathos.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/bathos. Accessed 13 May. 2023.

bildungsroman

Pronunciation: [ ¦bil-(ˌ)du̇ŋ(k)s-rō-¦män ]

Part of speech: Noun

Definition: A novel about the usually early development or spiritual education of the main character.

Origin: German

“Bildungsroman.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/bildungsroman. Accessed 13 May. 2023.

burlesque

Pronunciation: [ ə-ˈsin-də-ˌtän ]

Part of speech: Adjective

Definition: Marked by an effect of comic or grotesque imitation or exaggeration usually with the intent of mocking or making ridiculous; derisively imitative; relating to, or having, the characteristics of burlesque (tawdry) entertainment.

Origin: French, from Italian, from Spanish, from Late Latin

“Burlesque.” Merriam-Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/burlesque. Accessed 13 May. 2023.