Chowesque (adjective)
/ˈtʃaʊ.ə.sk/
Definition:
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the films and creative style of Stephen Chow (born 1962), Hong Kong actor, filmmaker, and comedian—typically marked by a blend of slapstick humor, surreal exaggeration, kung fu action, sentimental undercurrents, and satirical social commentary.
Usage:
“The film’s Chowesque tone—combining cartoonish martial arts, underdog pathos, and absurd humor—made it feel like a spiritual sequel to Shaolin Soccer.”
Etymology:
Formed by combining the surname Chow (Stephen Chow) with the adjectival suffix -esque, from French -esque, meaning “in the style or manner of.” Modeled after analogous terms like Kafkaesque and Tarantinoesque.
Connotation:
Often playful, sometimes affectionate; used in cinematic analysis, pop culture writing, and fan commentary.
Related terms:
Chowdian (rarer, more academic); Tarantinoesque, Lynchian, Shavian
Firing Squad Execution Scene from one of Stephen Chow's funniest films - FROM BEIJING WITH LOVE, his spoof on James Bond.
Making people laugh is difficult. Entire industry of people spent their entire life studying the art of humor, yet no one is ever consistently funny.Knowing this, makes Stephen Chow's career that much more impressive. The man has been consistently funny in near every movie he was in. Today, we'll learn from the master himself, and see how we can tell better jokes, with a Hong Kong flavour.
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