gag line
Definition
Noun: The final phrase or sentence of a joke or humorous story that delivers the punchline and creates the humorous effect. It is the climactic part designed to provoke laughter.
Usage
The term "gag line" is used specifically in the context of comedy and joke-telling. It refers to the concluding remark that contains the surprise, twist, or witty observation which makes the joke funny.
Examples
- The comedian paused for a moment before delivering the perfect gag line, and the audience roared with laughter.
- A good joke builds up a story, but it's the gag line that makes or breaks it.
- He forgot the gag line of his favorite joke, so the story just ended awkwardly.
Advanced Usage
- Crafting a gag line: The process of writing or refining the punchline of a joke.
- The writer spent hours crafting the gag line to ensure maximum comedic impact.
- To deliver/set up a gag line: To tell the punchline or to provide the narrative leading to it.
- His talent lies in how he sets up a gag line with perfect timing.
Variants and Related Words
- Punchline (n): A more common synonym for "gag line," meaning the final part of a joke that makes it funny.
- Gag (n): A general term for a joke or a humorous act.
- One-liner (n): A very short joke where the setup and the gag line are essentially the same sentence.
Synonyms
- Punchline
- Payoff
- Funny line
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To get the gag: To understand the joke or the punchline.
- He told the joke, but she didn't get the gag.
- To steal a gag: To use someone else's joke or punchline as one's own.
- The young comic was accused of stealing gags from more established performers.
Noun
-
the point of a joke or humorous story
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