Definition

Noun: The final part of a joke or humorous story that delivers the surprise, twist, or humorous climax, making the joke funny. It is the payoff that completes the setup.

Usage

The punch line is the crucial, concluding sentence or phrase that reveals the joke's humor. It is typically delivered after a setup that creates an expectation.

Examples

• The comedian paused for a moment before delivering the punch line, and the entire audience burst out laughing.
• I didn't understand the joke until he explained the punch line.
• A good joke relies on a strong setup and an even stronger punch line.

Advanced Usage

• "to deliver a punch line": To say the final, funny part of a joke.
  • He knows how to time his delivery to make the punch line land perfectly.
• "the punch line falls flat": Used when the intended humorous conclusion fails to make people laugh.
  • His joke was too complicated, and the punch line just fell flat.

Variants and Related Words

• Punchline (noun): A common alternative spelling as a single word.
• Gag line (noun): A synonym, often used in the context of written jokes or cartoons.
• Kicker (noun): In informal contexts, can refer to a surprising or ironic ending, similar to a punch line.

Synonyms

• Climax (of a joke)
• Payoff
• Zinger (informal, implies a sharp or witty punch line)

Related Idioms

• "Wait for the punch line": An instruction to listen until the end of the joke to get the humor.
  • It's a long story, but just wait for the punch line; it's worth it.

Noun

1. the point of a joke or humorous story