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Gag Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gag

[ษกรฆษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a social situation

A joke or amusing story, especially one told by a comedian during a performance.

Synonyms

jest, joke, quip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gag

Can also refer to a physical reaction to something unpleasant, like choking or feeling like you might vomit.

  • The smell of the trash made him gag.
  • She gagged when she saw the raw meat.
joke

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to a funny story or remark intended to make people laugh.

  • She told a joke that had everyone in stitches.
  • He was always good at making up jokes to lighten the mood.
quip

Refers to a witty remark, often quick and clever, sometimes used in a sarcastic way.

  • His quip about the meeting was both funny and true.
  • She always came up with clever quips during conversations.
jest

Used in more formal or old-fashioned language to describe a humorous remark or act, often highlighting good-natured humor.

  • He said it in jest, but she took it seriously.
  • Their friendly jests made the evening more enjoyable.

Examples of usage

  • He kept cracking gags throughout the entire show.
  • The comedian's gags had the audience in stitches.
Context #2 | Verb

in a playful manner

Make a joke or witty remark.

Synonyms

jest, joke, quip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gag

This is also a word meaning to choke or retch, usually from the throat closing up. It's often used when describing an uncomfortable physical reaction.

  • The smell of the garbage made her gag.
  • He gagged on the oversized pill.
joke

A broad term used in everyday language to describe something said or done to make people laugh. It can be spoken, written, or even acted out.

  • She told a funny joke at the party that had everyone in stitches.
  • I didn't mean to offend; it was just a joke.
quip

A brief and witty remark, often made quickly and on the spot. It usually carries a sense of cleverness and sometimes sarcasm.

  • His quip about the weather had everyone chuckling.
  • She responded with a quick quip that left him speechless.
jest

Typically used in a more formal or old-fashioned context, it implies something said or done as a joke. It's often used when the intention is clearly to amuse.

  • He said it in jest, not meaning to hurt anyone.
  • The king enjoyed the jester's entertaining jests.

Examples of usage

  • She gags about everything to lighten the mood.
  • He is known for gagging with his friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Gag reels are popular extras on movie and TV show DVDs, showcasing bloopers and funny mistakes made during filming.
  • In comedy, a 'gag order' refers to a legal restriction that prevents someone from speaking about certain matters, often used in high-profile cases.
  • The term 'gag gift' refers to a humorous present intended for entertainment rather than practical use, commonly given during holidays or parties.

Literature

  • Gag humor is prevalent in the work of playwrights such as Shakespeare, where physical comedy often complements witty dialogue.
  • In the realm of children's literature, gags and silly jokes are frequently used to engage young readers and make stories entertaining.
  • Comic strips often rely on gags for punchlines, utilizing visual humor alongside concise dialogue to create comedic effect.

Psychology

  • Humor, often involving gags, can be a coping mechanism for people, helping them to deal with stress and anxiety.
  • Research shows that laughing at a gag can actually release endorphins, leading to feelings of happiness and wellbeing.
  • Gags can create a shared experience of laughter, strengthening social bonds among friends or audiences.

Theater and Performance

  • The term 'gag' is also used to describe a specific type of joke or comedic bit that is meant to elicit immediate laughter from an audience.
  • In improvisational theater, performers often use gags to break tense moments and keep the audience engaged.
  • Famous comedians often incorporate physical gags into their routines, using exaggerated movements or expressions to enhance humor.

Origin of 'gag'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Middle English word 'gaggen', meaning to choke or strangle, reflecting its physical implications.
  • In the 1800s, 'gag' was often used to describe a joke or trick, showing how language evolved over time.
  • The modern use of 'gag' to describe comedic situations emerged prominently in the 20th century with the rise of film and television.

The word 'gag' originated in the early 19th century and is believed to have come from the Middle English word 'gaggen', which means 'to choke or retch'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include jokes and witty remarks, especially in comedy performances.

See also: gagging.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,383, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.