Definition of the word charade

The word "charade" has a fascinating origin! It comes from the French word "charade," which means "puppet" or "marionette." In the 17th and 18th centuries, a charade was a type of puppet show or play where actors would mimic the movements of puppets, often with paper cutouts or obstacles on their bodies. The term "charade" was later adopted into English and expanded to include a sense of wordplay or a riddle game. In this game, a person would speak in riddles or hints, and others would try to guess the theme or subject. This sense of charade is still used today, often in the context of spoken word games or stage plays. So, the next time you're trying to guess a charade, remember that you're following in the footsteps of 17th-century puppeteers!