punch lines
Comedy's finishing blows
The punch lines of jokes are their final phrases—the parts that deliver the humor or surprise.
The term comes from the idea of a comedic "punch" that lands after setup.
A good punch line subverts expectations: The punch line caught everyone off guard.
Extended to any climactic revelation: The punch line of the story was that he'd been there all along.
- zingerPointed witty remark
- kickerOne who boots balls
- quipBrief, clever remark
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
knock knock · callback · comic · topper · setup · wait for it · comic timing · wordplay · twist · ba dum tss · rim shot · dead silence · capper · puns · one-liner · reveal · payoff · timing
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