A one-liner is a brief, clever, and often humorous statement or joke delivered in a single line. It is designed to be impactful and memorable, quickly capturing the audience's attention with its wit or insight. One-liners are commonly used in stand-up comedy, advertising, and everyday conversation for their ability to convey a punchline or key message clearly and quickly.

What is a "one-liner"?

one-liner

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Shtick refers to a particular style, routine, or gimmick that a performer, comedian, or entertainer uses regularly. It is often a distinctive feature or recurring theme that defines their act or personality, such as a catchphrase, a specific type of joke, or a unique performance technique. The shtick helps to create a memorable and recognizable identity for the performer, making their work stand out and resonate with audiences.

What is "shtick"?

shtick

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A comedy club is a venue dedicated to live performances where comedians perform stand-up routines to entertain an audience. Typically, these clubs offer a stage for comedians to showcase their acts, which may include jokes, storytelling, and observational humor. Comedy clubs often provide seating arrangements for guests, a bar or restaurant service, and a casual atmosphere where people can enjoy the show. The setting allows for an interactive experience where comedians can engage with the audience directly, making it a popular spot for enjoying live, humorous entertainment.

What is a "comedy club"?

comedy club

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A stump speech is a prepared and often repeated speech delivered by a political candidate or public speaker during a campaign or series of public appearances. It typically includes key messages, policy positions, and personal anecdotes designed to persuade and engage voters. The term originates from the practice of candidates giving speeches while standing on a tree stump to be more visible and heard by a crowd. Today, stump speeches are used to consistently convey a candidate’s main themes and messages throughout their campaign.

What is a "stump speech"?

stump speech

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A master of ceremonies, often abbreviated as MC, is the person responsible for organizing and overseeing events or ceremonies. Their role includes introducing speakers or performers, guiding the flow of the event, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The MC sets the tone for the occasion, engages with the audience, and manages transitions between different parts of the program. They play a crucial role in keeping the event on schedule and making sure that all aspects of the ceremony are executed effectively.

Who is a "master of ceremonies"?

master of ceremonies

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Crowd work refers to the practice of engaging with and interacting directly with the audience during a performance, especially in live entertainment like stand-up comedy or public speaking. This involves making spontaneous remarks, asking questions, or involving audience members in the act to create a dynamic and responsive atmosphere. Effective crowd work helps to build a connection with the audience, keep the performance lively, and often adds a personalized touch to the show. It relies on the performer’s ability to think quickly and adapt to the audience's reactions and contributions.

What is "crowd work"?

crowd work

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Joke theft is the act of using someone else’s original joke or comedic material without permission and presenting it as one's own. This can occur in various contexts, such as stand-up comedy, writing, or social media. The act is often considered unethical because it undermines the originality and intellectual property of the original creator. Joke theft can lead to conflicts within the comedy community and damage the reputation of those who engage in it.

What is "joke theft"?

joke theft

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A hack is a person who uses clichéd, overused, or unoriginal material. A hack comedian or performer might rely on predictable jokes or routines that lack creativity and freshness. The term can also imply that the individual is not innovative or skilled in their craft, often resulting in a lackluster or uninspired performance.

Who is a "hack"?

hack

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A tight five is a well-rehearsed, polished five-minute comedy routine. This short set is crafted to be highly engaging and effective, often used by comedians to showcase their best material in auditions, open mics, or as part of a larger performance. The goal of a tight five is to deliver maximum impact within a limited time, demonstrating the comedian’s ability to engage the audience and generate laughs quickly and efficiently.

What is a "tight five"?

tight five

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Blue material refers to jokes or content that is risqué, vulgar, or sexually explicit. This type of material often involves adult themes or language and is intended for mature audiences. Blue material is commonly used in comedy to push boundaries and elicit strong reactions, but it may not be suitable for all settings or audiences due to its explicit nature.

What is "blue material"?

blue material

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A gag is a type of joke or comedic device designed to provoke laughter. It typically involves a clever or humorous situation, visual trick, or play on words. Gags can appear in various forms, including one-liners, physical comedy, or visual humor, and are often used in stand-up comedy, television shows, and films to entertain audiences. The primary aim of a gag is to deliver a quick and effective punchline that generates a strong reaction from the audience.

What is a "gag"?

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A heckler is an audience member who disrupts a performance, such as a comedy show or public speaking event, by shouting comments, asking questions, or making interruptions. Hecklers often do this to draw attention to themselves or challenge the performer. While some performers handle hecklers smoothly, turning the interruptions into part of their act, others may find it distracting or disruptive to their performance.

Who is a "heckler"?

heckler

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An in-joke is a joke or reference that is understood only by a specific group of people who share a common experience or knowledge. It often relies on shared context or insider information, making it funny or meaningful primarily to those within the group. In-jokes can create a sense of friendship among the group members but may be confusing or meaningless to those outside of it.

What is an "in-joke"?

in-joke

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joke

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The idiom "a straight face" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It derives from the literal meaning of "straight," which refers to something that is not crooked or bent, suggesting a neutral and unexpressive appearance. The expression gained popularity in English-speaking cultures as a way to describe maintaining a neutral facial expression, especially in situations where one might normally show a smile or frown. It is used when individuals need to keep their composure or hide their true feelings, often in contexts involving humor, irony, or situations that might cause amusement.

What is the origin of the idiom "a straight face" and when to use it?

a straight face

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Here you will learn some English words related to stand-up comedy such as "gag", "crowd work", and "comedy club".