<P> Slapstick is a style of humor involving exaggerated physical activity which exceeds the boundaries of normal physical comedy . The term arises from a device developed during the broad, physical comedy style known as Commedia dell'arte in 16th Century Italy . The' slap stick' consists of two thin slats of wood made from splitting a single long stick, which make a' slap' when striking another actor, with little force needed to make a loud - and comical - sound . The physical slap stick remains a key component of the plot in the traditional and popular Punch and Judy puppet show . </P> <P> The name "slapstick" originates from the Italian language word batacchio or bataccio--called the "slap stick" in English--a club - like object composed of two wooden slats used in commedia dell'arte . When struck, the batacchio produces a loud smacking noise, though little force transfers from the object to the person being struck . Actors may thus hit one another repeatedly with great audible effect while causing no damage and only very minor, if any, pain . Along with the inflatable bladder (of which the whoopee cushion is a modern variant), it was among the earliest special effects . </P>

Slapstick is a form of comedy or comedic business that