cartoon etymology

Etymology

Cartoon derives from the Italian word cartone ("large, thick paper"), which in turn originates from the Latin charta ("paper").

Meaning

A cartoon refers to:

• [Originally] A full-scale preparatory drawing for a fresco or tapestry.
• [Modernly] A humorous or satirical drawing or comic strip, especially one published in a newspaper or magazine.
• [Animation] A short, animated film or television show that often features exaggerated and humorous characters.

Origin

The use of cartoni for preparatory drawings originated in the 16th century during the Italian Renaissance. Artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci would create large-scale drawings on thick paper that would then be transferred to the wall or fabric for the final work.

Over time, the term cartoon became synonymous with these preliminary sketches, and it eventually came to be associated with humorous or satirical drawings as well. This usage likely stems from the fact that preparatory drawings sering depicted whimsical or exaggerated scenes.

In the late 19th century, the newspaper industry began publishing political cartoons as a way to express opinions and criticize public figures. This led to the popularization of the term cartoon to refer to any humorous or critical drawing.

In the early 20th century, the development of animation technology gave rise to animated cartoons. These short films often featured humorous or fantastic characters and plots, and they became a popular form of entertainment for both adults and children.

cartoon relate terms

• carton

  Etymology The word carton derives from the Old French word carton which is a diminut

• card

  Etymology The word card derives from the Latin word charta which originally meant

• cartoonist

  Etymology The term cartoonist is derived from the word cartoon which in turn comes

• cartoon

  Etymology Cartoon derives from the Italian word cartone large thick paper which in

• sketch

  Etymology Middle English schetschen derived from the Middle Dutch schetsen meaning t

• daffy

  Etymology The word daffy is derived from the Welsh word daffi meaning taffy a typ

• Donald

  Etymology Irish Domhnall Meaning World ruler Origin The name Donald originated

• animation

  Etymology The word animation derives from the Latin word animare meaning to enliven

• drawing

  Etymology Draw derives from the Middle English word drauen itself originating from th

• Pluto

  Etymology The name Pluto derives from the Greek god of the underworld Plouton which

• poindexter

  Etymology The term Poindexter originated as a fictional character in the 1950s comic s

• humor

  Etymology The word humor derives from the Latin word humor meaning liquid or mois

• sprit

  Etymology The word sprit has two distinct etymologies 1 From Old French Espe o

• strip

  Etymology The word strip has several etymological roots Old English stripian or