Lazzi

Lazzi (from italy. Lazzo, teasing ) were clownish, mostly mimic deposits in the play of Italian Commedia dell'arte. They had partly the character of slapstick, with frequently recurring motifs like pie fights or fights with an invisible fly. Also cabaret allusions to the government were common.

Experienced actors had a whole series of rehearsed Lazzi in their repertoire, they were able to use and vary depending on the situation during the impromptu game. Many Lazzi were passed in the drama groups of the commedia dell'arte among actors from generation to generation.

Lazzi is plural. In German and English usage, the word is often mistakenly used as singular and plural Lazzis derived from the false.