antic

Meanings

Adjective

• Playful, funny, absurd.
• Grotesque, incongruous.
• Grotesque, bizarre

Noun

• A grotesque representation of a figure; a gargoyle.
• A caricature.
• A ludicrous gesture or act; ridiculous behaviour; caper.
• A grotesque performer or clown, buffoon.
• A pose, often exaggerated, in anticipation of an action; for example, a brief squat before jumping

Verb

• To perform antics, to caper.
• To make a fool of, to cause to look ridiculous.
• To perform (an action) as an antic; to mimic ridiculously.

Origin

• Probably from Italian antico ("ancient"), used to describe ancient wall paintings from classical times, from Latin antiquus ("venerable"). See also grottesco. antique.
• From anticipation.