Phyllis Diller
Phyllis Diller (1917–2012) was an American comedian known for her self-deprecating humor, wild fright-wig hair, and cackling laugh.
She pioneered stand-up comedy for women, joking about domestic life, her fictional husband "Fang," and her own appearance: She looked like Phyllis Diller on a bad day.
Her name evokes brassy, exaggerated comic style.
Solo comedic performance
- one-linersBrief comedic remarks
- punchlinesJokes' concluding zingers
- self-deprecationBelittling oneself deliberately
- gagsJokes or silencing devices
jokes · wit · monologue · shtick · timing · delivery · roast · zingers
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- firstPosition number one
- pathfinderOne who discovers routes
forerunner · trendsetter · role model · Joan Rivers · influence · legacy · inspiration · breakthrough
Broadcast viewing device
- talk showsInterview-based broadcast programs
- performerOne who entertains audiences
- actressFemale stage performer
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
Bob Hope · variety show · guest · headliner · showbiz · Hollywood · sitcom · cameo
Harsh, shrill laugh
- guffawBoisterous burst of mirth
- howlProlonged mournful cry
- roarLoud, deep animal cry
- belly laughLoud, uncontrolled amusement
snort · chortle · infectious · uproarious · hilarious · hysterical · sidesplitting · audience
Home-focused married woman
- frumpyDrab and unstylish
- cigarette holderTube for smoking elegantly
- wild hairSudden impulsive notion
- cackleHarsh, shrill laugh
gaudy · outlandish · self-mockery · exaggeration · caricature · domestic · husband jokes · slovenly
stand-up
Solo comedic performance
- one-linersBrief comedic remarks
- punchlinesJokes' concluding zingers
- self-deprecationBelittling oneself deliberately
gags · jokes · wit · monologue · shtick · timing · delivery · roast · zingers · quips
female comedian
- groundbreakerInnovator, first to act
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- firstPosition number one
pathfinder · forerunner · trendsetter · role model · Joan Rivers · influence · legacy · inspiration · breakthrough · glass ceiling
television
Broadcast viewing device
- talk showsInterview-based broadcast programs
- performerOne who entertains audiences
- actressFemale stage performer
celebrity · Bob Hope · variety show · guest · headliner · showbiz · Hollywood · sitcom · cameo · tours
cackle
Harsh, shrill laugh
belly laugh · snort · chortle · infectious · uproarious · hilarious · hysterical · sidesplitting · audience · applause
housewife
Home-focused married woman
- frumpyDrab and unstylish
- cigarette holderTube for smoking elegantly
- wild hairSudden impulsive notion
cackle · gaudy · outlandish · self-mockery · exaggeration · caricature · domestic · husband jokes · slovenly · homemaker
Phyllis DillerBob Newhart
Buster Keaton · Jack Benny · Aubrey Plaza · Jim Gaffigan · Ellen DeGeneres
Phyllis DillerMarilyn Monroe
Raquel Welch · Sophia Loren · Grace Kelly · Audrey Hepburn · Ann-Margret
Phyllis DillerLenny Bruce
George Carlin · Dick Gregory · Bill Hicks · Richard Pryor · social commentator