pie-in-the-face
Classic comedy splat
A pie-in-the-face is a slapstick gag where someone gets a pie (usually cream) smashed into their face.
The comedy staple dates to silent film and remains a fixture of clown acts, prank shows, and charity fundraisers.
It also describes any public humiliation or comeuppance: The CEO's testimony was a pie-in-the-face moment when the emails surfaced.
Exaggerated physical humor
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- prankPlayful trick on someone
- clownComedic performer in makeup
- pratfallComedic fall on buttocks
Three Stooges · vaudeville · sight gag · cream pie · comedian · timing · splat · custard
Voluntary aid for others
- carnivalTraveling amusement attraction
- schoolPlace of instruction
- fairImpartial and unbiased
- boothTemporary enclosed compartment
dunking · volunteer · auction · donation · raffle · target · principal · boss
Vigorous cause champion
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
- politicalOf government matters
- publicistMedia relations professional
- stuntDangerous feat for spectacle
Rupert Murdoch · Bill Gates · ambush · provocation · media · spectacle · disruption · statement
slapstick
Exaggerated physical humor
pratfall · Three Stooges · vaudeville · sight gag · cream pie · comedian · timing · splat · custard · laugh
charity
Voluntary aid for others
booth · dunking · volunteer · auction · donation · raffle · target · principal · boss · tickets
activist
Vigorous cause champion
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
- politicalOf government matters
- publicistMedia relations professional
Rupert Murdoch · Bill Gates · stunt · ambush · provocation · media · spectacle · disruption · statement · target
pie-in-the-facedry wit
Understated, ironic humor
deadpan humor · subtle humor · wit · wry humor · deadpan
face, faces, faced, facing, facial, facially, deface, defacement, surface