Definition

Noun: 1. The concluding, often humorous, line of a joke or story that delivers the punchline: The phrase or sentence that provides the climax and intended humor of a joke or anecdote. 2. A memorable phrase or slogan associated with a person, product, or campaign: A short, catchy statement used for identification or promotion.

Usage and Examples

• As the punchline of a joke:
  • He told a long, rambling story, but the tag line was absolutely hilarious.
  • A good comedian knows how to deliver the tag line for maximum effect.
• As an advertising or personal slogan:
  • The company's tag line, "Just do it," is recognized worldwide.
  • The actor was famous for his tag line in every movie: "I'll be back."

Advanced Usage

• In comedy writing, a tag line can also refer to an additional, smaller joke added after the main punchline to extend the laughter.
• In scriptwriting, a tag line is a very short summary (one or two sentences) used to pitch a movie or TV show idea.

Variants and Related Words

• Punchline (noun): The final part of a joke that makes it funny. (This is the closest synonym for the primary definition).
• Slogan (noun): A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or by a group.
• Catchphrase (noun): A phrase that becomes associated with a particular person or character.

Synonyms

• For joke conclusion: Punchline, payoff, zinger.
• For promotional phrase: Slogan, motto, catchphrase, byword.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• To deliver the tag line: To say the final, punchline part of a joke.
  • He paused for effect before delivering the tag line.
• A memorable tag line: A slogan or catchphrase that is easily remembered.
  • The marketing team spent months developing a memorable tag line.

Noun

1. the point of a joke or humorous story