A "roast" is a comedic event where friends and family gather to humorously criticize and make fun of a guest of honor, often a celebrity or a well-known individual. The purpose is to entertain, celebrate, and show affection through playful teasing, rather than to offend. Roasts are typically light-hearted and involve jokes about the person's life, career, and personality. Roasts can take place at various events, such as birthday parties or retirement celebrations, and are often organized as part of a larger gathering. They have gained popularity through televised events, like the Comedy Central Roast series, where comedians and celebrities deliver their best jokes in front of an audience.