Running gag
A running gag, or running joke, is a
literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling. Though they are similar, catchphrases are not considered to be running gags.[2][3]
Running gags can begin with an instance of unintentional humor that is repeated in variations as the joke grows familiar and
, and potentially any other situation in which humor is possible and there is enough time for the repetitions to happen.A running gag can be verbal or visual and may "convey social values by echoing belligerent speakers with a barrage of caricatured threats".[4] For example, a character may present others with a proposition that is so ridiculous or outrageous it is likely to be self-mocking to the point where the original request has little or no chance of actually being carried out and results in a humorous effect.[4]
See also
References
- ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3.
- ISBN 978-90-420-2288-1.
- ISBN 978-0-8204-7298-0.
- ^ ISBN 978-0815333500.