strip cartoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, somewhat dated
Quick answer
What does “strip cartoon” mean?
A sequence of drawings arranged in horizontal panels that tell a story, often with speech bubbles and captions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sequence of drawings arranged in horizontal panels that tell a story, often with speech bubbles and captions.
A narrative told through sequential art, typically published in newspapers, magazines, or comic books; can refer to both individual installments and the entire series.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'strip cartoon' is a common term. In American English, the equivalent is almost exclusively 'comic strip'.
Connotations
In the UK, it can sound slightly old-fashioned or formal compared to just 'comic'. In the US, 'strip cartoon' is rarely used and may be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK English, especially among older speakers. Very low to zero frequency in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “strip cartoon” in a Sentence
[Subject] reads/draws/publishes a strip cartoon.The strip cartoon appears in [Publication].A strip cartoon about [Topic].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “strip cartoon” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He strip-cartooned the events of his holiday for the local paper.
- She has been strip-cartooning professionally for decades.
American English
- He comic-stripped his daily adventures.
- She cartooned a strip about family life.
adverb
British English
- The story was told strip-cartoonishly, with lots of visual gags.
- He narrated the incident almost strip-cartoon style.
American English
- The biography was presented comic-strip style.
- She explained it funnies-fashion, with pictures and words.
adjective
British English
- He had a strip-cartoon style of illustration.
- The strip-cartoon format was perfect for the joke.
American English
- She admired his comic-strip artistry.
- It was a funnies-page style of humour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in publishing or media contexts discussing content.
Academic
Rare. 'Graphic narrative' or 'sequential art' are preferred in formal analysis.
Everyday
Common in UK conversation, especially among older generations discussing newspapers.
Technical
Not used. Terms like 'panel layout', 'sequential art', or 'comics' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strip cartoon”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strip cartoon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strip cartoon”
- Using 'strip cartoon' in American English contexts.
- Confusing it with a single-panel cartoon (e.g., a political cartoon).
- Misspelling as 'strip carton'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'strip cartoon' typically refers to a short, serialised sequence published in periodicals. A 'comic book' is a longer, standalone publication containing multiple pages of sequential art, often with a complete story.
Yes, though it is most associated with humour. The term itself does not preclude serious subjects; it describes the format (sequential panels) rather than the tone.
It refers to the physical layout: the drawings are arranged in a horizontal strip or row of panels.
In British English, it is still understood but is somewhat dated, with younger speakers often preferring just 'comic'. In global/internet contexts, 'comic strip' or 'webcomic' are more prevalent.
A sequence of drawings arranged in horizontal panels that tell a story, often with speech bubbles and captions.
Strip cartoon is usually informal, somewhat dated in register.
Strip cartoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪp kɑːˈtuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstrɪp kɑrˈtuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be a cartoon strip short of a comic (humorous, implying foolishness).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STRIP of paper with a CARTOON drawn on it, panel by panel.
Conceptual Metaphor
STORY IS A JOURNEY (panels move the reader/viewer through the narrative).
Practice
Quiz
Which term is the most common American equivalent of 'strip cartoon'?