Synonyms for limerick

Grammar : Noun

Spell : lim-er-ik

Phonetic Transcription : ˈlɪm ər ɪk

Top 10 synonyms for limerick

Other synonyms for the word limerick

Définition of limerick

Origin : nonsense verse of five lines, 1896, perhaps from the county and city in Ireland, but if so the connection is obscure. Often (after OED's Murray) attributed to a party game in which each guest in turn made up a nonsense verse and all sang a refrain with the line "Will you come up to Limerick?" but he reported this in 1898 and earlier evidence is wanting. Or perhaps from Learic, from Edward Lear (1812-1888) English humorist who popularized the form. Earliest examples are in French, which further complicates the quest for the origin. OED's first record of the word is in a letter of Aubrey Beardsley. The place name is literally "bare ground," from Irish Liumneach, from lom "bare, thin." It was famous for hooks.
The limerick may be the only traditional form in English not borrowed from the poetry of another language. Although the oldest known examples are in French, the name is from Limerick, Ireland. John Ciardi suggests that the Irish Brigade, which served in France for most of the eighteenth centiry, might have taken the form to France or developed an English version of a French form. ... The contemporary limerick usually depends on a pun or some other turn of wit. It is also likely to be somewhat suggestive or downright dirty." [Miller Williams, "Patterns of Poetry," Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University, 1986]

As in ode : noun poem
As in poem : noun highly expressive, rhythmical literary piece
As in five : noun five of something
As in poesy : noun poem

Example sentences :

We now shipped together in a vessel called the Jane, bound to Limerick.
Extract from : « Ned Myers » by James Fenimore Cooper

To dye gloves to look like York tan or Limerick, put some saffron into a pint of water boiling hot, and let it infuse all night.
Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton

If the Limerick moonlighters must have been tried in Cork there would have been no moonlighting.
Extract from : « Ireland as It Is » by Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

My son had his name on a card, but a lawyer in Limerick said the name hadn't got in.
Extract from : « Ireland as It Is » by Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

Twice he fought Limerick for his son, and twice he won easily.
Extract from : « Ireland as It Is » by Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

This quotation is from the Munster Express, published in Limerick.
Extract from : « Ireland as It Is » by Robert John Buckley (AKA R.J.B.)

"A high price, but the 'dhrop' in Limerick is higher," said Tom, with a grin.
Extract from : « Roland Cashel » by Charles James Lever

I accompanied Linton to Limerick at his request, dressed to personate you.
Extract from : « Roland Cashel » by Charles James Lever

To distract her attention, instantly Jones improvised a limerick.
Extract from : « The Paliser case » by Edgar Saltus

If I wrote a limerick, I'd want someone to think it was clever.
Extract from : « Master of the Vineyard » by Myrtle Reed

Antonyms for limerick

prose

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