{"id":20775,"date":"2023-03-08T00:00:56","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T00:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand-upcomedy.com\/?page_id=20775"},"modified":"2023-04-11T13:58:47","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T13:58:47","slug":"standup-comedy-glossary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dev.thatstudio.net\/stand-upcomedy\/standup-comedy-glossary\/","title":{"rendered":"Stand-Up Comedy Glossary"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Stand-Up Comedy Glossary of Terms and Phrases:<\/strong> This stand-up comedy glossary of terms and phrases is my shot at compiling many of the relevant terms. It\u2019s open ended as there are many more terms and phrases which need defining and documenting. If you have suggestions, feel free to send them with their definition to: info@gregdeanstandupcomedyclasses.com. Entries will be considered and, if not duplicates, included as appropriate. If included, it may be attributed to you as the person who submitted the defined word or phrase. Enjoy!<\/p>\n

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Stand-Up Comedy Glossary of Terms and Phrases Numeric Definitions<\/b><\/h2>\n

<\/b><\/p>\n

1st Story – <\/b>scene imagined in the minds of the audience based upon the setup of a joke.<\/a><\/span><\/h4>\n

2nd Story <\/b>scene imagined in the minds of the audience based upon the punch of a joke.<\/span><\/h4>\n

4 Cs of comedy work <\/b>abbreviation for clubs, colleges, cruise ships, and corporations.<\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Stand-Up Comedy Glossary of Terms and Phrases Alphabetic Definitions<\/b><\/h3>\n

Alphabetic<\/b><\/h3>\n

<\/h4>\n

A<\/h4>\n

<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cA\u201d material <\/b>funniest jokes in routines.<\/a> or funniest routines in shows.<\/span><\/h4>\n

ABCs of Material <\/b>values for rating jokes within routines, or routines within shows.<\/span><\/h4>\n

act out <\/b>a<\/span> scene within stand-up comedy routines where the comedian portrays all the parts; see<\/span> scene work<\/span><\/i>. <\/span>(Term coined by Judy Carter.)<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

ad-lib <\/b>spontaneously creating jokes within scripted routines or shows.<\/span><\/h4>\n

alternative interpretation <\/b>un-expected, yet compatible meaning of a connector other than the target assumption; see <\/span>reinterpretation. (As related to joke structure term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

alternative interpretations <\/b>list of unexpected meanings of a connector, different from the expected meaning of the target assumption, one of which will become a joke\u2019s reinterpretation. <\/span>(As related to joke structure term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

ambiguity <\/b>open to more than one interpretation. In joke structure, an ambiguity, usually in setups, becomes a connector when used to structure a joke.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

assumption <\/b>belief that something exists or is true without proof or evidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

assumptions<\/b> based on a piece of communication, the mental means in which people compile information to fill in ambiguous or incomplete information to build a scenario in their minds until they believe they know what the piece of communication means.<\/span><\/h4>\n

applau<\/b> a single clap by only one person in a crowd. <\/span>(Term coined by the juggler Michael Davis.)<\/span><\/i><\/h4>\n

applause break <\/b>when an audience claps for a joke or routine during a show.<\/span><\/h4>\n

attitude <\/b>expression of only one negative opinion or judgment toward the subject of all performed jokes and routines.\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

avails <\/b>dates sent to bookers to indicate when the comedian can work comedy gigs.<\/span><\/h4>\n

availability dates<\/b> see <\/span><\/i>avails.<\/span><\/h4>\n

B<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cB\u201d material <\/b>second-best jokes in a routine, or routines within a show.<\/span><\/p>\n

bad green room personality <\/b>comedians who are troublesome, unpleasant, or hard to get along with off stage or in the green room.<\/span><\/p>\n

BCAs <\/b>most effective order for the jokes in a routine or routines within a show. i.e. \u201cB\u201d material first, \u201cC\u201d material in the middle, \u201cA\u201d material to close the routine or show.<\/span><\/p>\n

beat, take a<\/b> pause or break during a performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

bit <\/b>section of stand-up comedy shows or routines; a short routine or a section of a routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

blue material <\/b>jokes using graphic sexual overtones, scatological (toilet) references, and swear words; not appropriate for network television shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

bomb <\/b>perform comedy shows that get no or few laughs; see<\/span> die, eat it, flop, suck, dog it<\/span><\/i> \u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

booker <\/b>person who hires and pays comedians to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

booked <\/b>hired for a comedy gig or job.<\/span><\/p>\n

booking <\/b>act of hiring comedians for shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

bringer <\/b>room or club that require the comedians to bring audience members to get stage time.<\/span><\/p>\n

bringer room<\/b> venue that require the comedians to bring audience members to get stage time.<\/span><\/p>\n

bringer show<\/b> see<\/span> bringer<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

bumped <\/b>moved later in shows or showcase club\u2019s line-up, sometimes to the point of not getting to perform.<\/span><\/p>\n

C<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cC\u201d material <\/b>weakest jokes in routines, or routines in shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

call in a show <\/b>giving the minimum effort to a performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

callback <\/b>a<\/span> joke which refers to another joke performed earlier in the show, presented in a different context.<\/span><\/p>\n

capper <\/b>antiquated term for the final laugh in a series of jokes on the same subject that ends the routine with the biggest laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

catchphrase <\/b>common phrases delivered in an extraordinary manner that becomes the trademark of a comedian.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

character POV <\/b>perceptual position within a scene or show, achieved when the performer pretends to be someone or something else. (<\/span>Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

clean material <\/b>traditionally a show with no curse words, appropriate for network television shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

closer <\/b>comedians with shows strong enough to top the evening\u2019s previous comedians.<\/span><\/p>\n

closing line <\/b>final joke of stand-up comedy shows designed to get a huge laugh while the comedian exits the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

comedian <\/b>makes people laugh using an amusing character.<\/span><\/p>\n

comedian\u2019s comedian <\/b>a<\/span> comedian that other comedians most admire.<\/span><\/p>\n

comedy timing <\/b>tempo, rhythm developed between the comedian and the audience while expressing humor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

comic <\/b>makes people laugh by telling jokes.<\/span><\/p>\n

comic timing <\/b>see<\/span> comedy timing; timing.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

comic\u2019s clich\u00e9s <\/b>phrases and idiosyncrasies overused by all hack comics. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

comic\u2019s comic <\/b>see<\/span> comedian\u2019s comedian.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

common knowledge <\/b>information generally shared by most people; information available within an immediate environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

connector <\/b>joke structure mechanism at the center of all comedy, humor, and jokes; one thing with at least two interpretations or meanings.<\/span><\/p>\n

cotton mouth <\/b>feeling of crustiness inside the mouth brought on by nerves while performing; see <\/span>dry mouth.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

cord <\/b>see<\/span> mic cord.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

crickets <\/b>after the delivery of a failed joke when the audience is so quiet one could hear crickets.<\/span><\/p>\n

crowd work <\/b>verbally bantering with the audience.<\/span><\/p>\n

crush, to <\/b>an amazingly funny show.<\/span><\/p>\n

D<\/b><\/p>\n

delivery <\/b>style of presenting comedy material.<\/span><\/p>\n

die, to <\/b>see<\/span> bomb, flop, eat it\u2026<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

double up <\/b>performing in two comedy rooms or clubs in one night.<\/span><\/p>\n

downstage center <\/b>usual location on a stage where the mic and stand are placed.<\/span><\/p>\n

DSC <\/b>see<\/span> downstage center.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

drop in <\/b>when famous comedians enter a comedy club and immediately get on stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

drop outs <\/b>when comedians cancel their appearance in a club or comedy line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

dry mouth <\/b>see<\/span> cottonmouth<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

dying <\/b>see <\/span>bomb, die, flop\u2026<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

E<\/b><\/p>\n

eat it <\/b>see <\/span>bomb, flop, die, etc.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

edgy material <\/b>comedy material on the comedic side of the hurt line but doesn\u2019t cross over into drama. <\/span>(Definition by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

emcee <\/b>Master or Mistress of Ceremonies; the person who introduces performers; stupid way of spelling MC; see<\/span> MC<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

expectation <\/b>1. based on the piece of communication when enough assumptions are compiled to create a mental story so the people believe they know what the communication means, then their projection of this story will continue along the same line of thought. 2. Accepting anything as it has been in the past or a status quo.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

F<\/b><\/p>\n

fall flat<\/b> jokes or routines that get few or no laughs.<\/span><\/p>\n

feature <\/b>second comedian in the standard three-comedian stand-up comedy show line-up; see<\/span> middle<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

fill in <\/b>with little notice to replace a comedian who has dropped out of a comedy show\u2019s line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

flop<\/b> see <\/span>bomb, die, flop, eat it, etc<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

flop sweat <\/b>overabundance of perspiration one experiences due to a panic reaction to bombing.<\/span><\/p>\n

G<\/b><\/p>\n

gag file <\/b>joke file.<\/span><\/p>\n

gag<\/b> joke.<\/span><\/p>\n

gelotophobia <\/b>fear of being laughed at; not the fear of Italian ice cream.<\/span><\/p>\n

gig <\/b>show business job.<\/span><\/p>\n

green room <\/b>place for comedians to gather before and after comedy shows which is rarely green.<\/span><\/p>\n

guest set or spot <\/b>courtesy five-to-ten-minute spot offered by comedy clubs so accomplished comedians can audition in a live performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

H<\/b><\/p>\n

hack <\/b>British word for hackneyed; overused and thus clich\u00e9 and trite.<\/span><\/p>\n

hacky <\/b>overused topics or premises; comic\u2019s clich\u00e9s.<\/span><\/p>\n

hammock to <\/b>technique of placing weaker material or improvisation between two strong jokes or routines.<\/span><\/p>\n

headliner<\/b> third and last comedian considered the star of a standard stand-up comedy show; see <\/span>closer<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

heckler <\/b>audience member who talks and interrupts a comedy show, often by exchanging insults with the comedian; a social disease.<\/span><\/p>\n

host <\/b>see<\/span> emcee and MC.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

hurt line <\/b>subjective psychological tipping point when comedy turns into drama. <\/span>(Definition by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I<\/b><\/p>\n

impressions <\/b>acting out and impersonating recognizable celebrities.<\/span><\/p>\n

improv <\/b>see<\/span> improvisation<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

improvisation <\/b>spontaneous creation of entire comedy bits; ongoing comedic bantering with audience members.<\/span><\/p>\n

inside joke <\/b>referring to humor based on information or common knowledge only known by a select group of people.<\/span><\/p>\n

J<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

joke<\/strong> single unit of humor; device for expressing humor that employs two sections linked by the mechanism the Connector: 1 thing with 2 interpretations. Section One \/ setup establishes or contains a target assumption, the expected meaning of the Connector which creates a false expectation. Section Two \/ punch communicates a reinterpretation, an unexpected interpretation of the Connector that makes the setup\u2019s expected interpretation wrong. <\/span>(Definition by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

joke diagram <\/b>visual aid used by Greg Dean to illustrate his model of joke structure. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

joke file <\/b>jokes organized and stored on index cards or in a computer program.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joke Map <\/b>first part of Greg Dean\u2019s Joke Prospector Writing System, which starts with a topic, creates a punch-premise, setup-premise, and concludes with writing a series of joke setups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joke Mine <\/b>second part of the Greg Dean\u2019s Joke Prospector Writing System which begins with setups from the Joke Map and explains the process of using the joke mechanisms of target assumption, a connector, and reinterpretation to write punches for those setups.<\/span><\/p>\n

joke premise <\/b>see<\/span> premise<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Joke Prospector <\/b>joke writing system invented by Greg Dean consisting of the two-part combination of the Joke Map and the Joke Mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

joke structure<\/b> model that demonstrates how the setup and punch are linked by the mechanisms of 1st story, target assumption, connector, reinterpretation, and 2nd story for expressing humor. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

jokey<\/b> term used to describe obvious or cliche jokes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

K<\/b><\/p>\n

kick comedy butt or ass <\/b>show where the audience laughs loud and often; see<\/span> kill, crush\u2026<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

kill <\/b>when a comedian has done an excellent performance.<\/span><\/p>\n

killed <\/b>performed an excellent stand-up comedy show.<\/span><\/p>\n

kill a laugh<\/b> 1) talking or taking an action that causes the audience to stop laughing or not laugh.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

L<\/b><\/p>\n

laser beam <\/b>topic, premise, routine, or joke that sets off a controversy.<\/span><\/p>\n

laughs per minute <\/b>measurement for counting the number of laughs in routines or shows; see<\/span> LPMs<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

light, the <\/b>signal to comedians performing when their stage time is up.<\/span><\/p>\n

light, get the <\/b>when comedians get the signal that it\u2019s time to end their show and get off stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

line-up <\/b>list of the comedians slated to perform.<\/span><\/p>\n

lottery open mic <\/b>where the line-up is created by pulling names out of a hat or bucket.<\/span><\/p>\n

LPMs <\/b>laughs per minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

M<\/b><\/p>\n

MC <\/b>Master or Mistress of Ceremonies; a person who introduces performers; see<\/span> emcee, host.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

middle <\/b>second comedian in the standard three-comedian stand-up comedy show line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

mic <\/b>abbreviation for microphone.<\/span><\/p>\n

mic stand <\/b>height-adjustable device for holding the microphone.<\/span><\/p>\n

mic cord <\/b>the electrical cable attached to the microphone with a plug and to the sound equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

mic jack<\/b> plug used to attach the electrical cable to the microphone and to the sound equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

mic technique <\/b>proper ways of holding and moving the microphone, stand, and cord.<\/span><\/p>\n

microphone<\/b> long for mic.<\/span><\/p>\n

monologue <\/b>speech for one person: in comedy, a stand-up comedy routine for a solo comedian.<\/span><\/p>\n

N<\/b><\/p>\n

narrator POV <\/b>perceptual position achieved when being an observer or nonparticipant of an experience. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Neurolinguistic Programming <\/b>behavioral model and set of explicit skills and techniques founded by John Grinder and Richard Bandler. Defined as the study and mapping of the structure of the mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

NLP <\/b>Neurolinguistic Programming.<\/span><\/p>\n

O<\/b><\/p>\n

on the road <\/b>continually working outside of one\u2019s city of residence.<\/span><\/p>\n

one-liner <\/b>a style of joke using a setup and a punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

one-liner timing <\/b>after a punch, when a laugh peaks, then pausing for the count of 2, 3, 4 before starting the next setup.<\/span><\/p>\n

one-nighter <\/b>job that only lasts one night.<\/span><\/p>\n

open mic <\/b>room or club where anyone can get on stage and do a few minutes of stand-up comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n

open micer<\/b> person who frequently does open mics.<\/span><\/p>\n

open spot <\/b>unfilled slot in a comedy show line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

opener <\/b>first of three comedians in a traditional comedy club line-up.<\/span><\/p>\n

opening line <\/b>first joke of stand-up comedy routines or shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

P<\/b><\/p>\n

PA <\/b>personal appearance<\/span><\/p>\n

PA agent or manager <\/b>person in charge of booking and arranging personal appearance work for comedians.<\/span><\/p>\n

paid regular <\/b>comedian who frequently performs at comedy clubs and receives compensation for each show.<\/span><\/p>\n

paraprosdokian<\/b> a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part.<\/span><\/p>\n

pause <\/b>stop talking during a performance to enhance the timing of jokes; stop talking after a punch to allow time for the audience to laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

POV <\/b>point of view. e.g. As the foundational elements of stand-up comedy storytelling with scene work: Narrator POV, Self POV, and Character POV. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

POVs <\/b>points of view.<\/span><\/p>\n

POV shifts<\/b> while telling a story, one performer moving from one POV to another POV as a means of acting out scenes. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

premise <\/b>statement with a negative opinion about a subject from which to write jokes or routines.<\/span><\/p>\n

prop comics <\/b>funny people who perform their jokes by using props. e.g. Gallagher or Carrot Top.<\/span><\/p>\n

punch <\/b>section two of a joke that contains a reinterpretation that shatters the setup\u2019s target assumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

punch line <\/b>old term for a punch; punches are not always lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

punch-premise <\/b>step in the Joke Map stating a negative opinion about a specific subject associated with the topic. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

punch up <\/b>writing more jokes and tags for an already written routine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Q<\/b><\/p>\n

R<\/b><\/p>\n

red light <\/b>final and strongest signal telling comedians to end their show immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n

regulars <\/b>comedians who appear frequently at a particular nightclub.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rehearsal Process, Greg Dean\u2019s <\/b>method to turning jokes or routines into scenes, and then acting out those scenes using Narrator, Self, and Character POVs with the result of remembering in pictures, sounds, and feelings so the performer can tell the story of the material, rather than memorize the words which must be recalled in self-talk. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

reinterpretation <\/b>mechanism in the punch that reveals an unexpected interpretation of the connector that makes wrong the target assumption\u2019s expected interpretation. <\/span>(As a mechanism of joke structure term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

reinterpretations <\/b>several alternative interpretations of the connector, other than the target assumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

reveal <\/b>within the punch, the pivotal word, phrase, or action that communicates the reinterpretation; most effect when placed at the ends of the punch. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

rhythm of three <\/b>see<\/span> rule of three<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

rim shot<\/b> two hits on a drum and one on the rim of a cymbal to indicate the punchline of an obvious joke.<\/span><\/p>\n

rip <\/b>or <\/span>rip into <\/b>or <\/span>ripping <\/b>attack, insult, or verbally tear into an audience member or comic who has heckled or otherwise deserves the abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

road work <\/b>jobs when comedians must travel outside of their residential city.<\/span><\/p>\n

road comic <\/b>professional comedians who travel outside their residential city to make a living doing stand-up comedy gigs.<\/span><\/p>\n

road agent or manager <\/b>person in charge of booking and arranging road work for comedians.<\/span><\/p>\n

roast <\/b>use jokes to insult and embarrass a specific person, often as a means of honoring them.<\/span><\/p>\n

roll, on a <\/b>delivering a string of jokes so the audience continues laughing for an extended period.<\/span><\/p>\n

routine <\/b>series of jokes all on the same topic, premise or a funny story.<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

routine premise <\/b>see<\/span> premise<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

rule of three <\/b>jokes with a setup that have two items from the same category, usually positive and a punch with a third item, usually negative, that is compatible with the setup\u2019s two items, yet different. e.g. 1, 2, C.<\/span><\/p>\n

running gag <\/b>a recurring joke within the same show.<\/span><\/p>\n

S<\/b><\/p>\n

sandwich <\/b>see<\/span> hammock<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

scene work<\/b> quick scene enacted during a comedian\u2019s show; see act out.<\/span><\/p>\n

segue <\/b>antiquated device using a transitional sentence or phrase to lead from one joke or routine to another.<\/span><\/p>\n

Self POV <\/b>perceptual position achieved when performing as one\u2019s self while participating in an experience.<\/span> (Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

self talk<\/b> way of talking to one\u2019s self; inner voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

set <\/b>stand-up comedy show of any length.<\/span><\/p>\n

set list <\/b>bullet point reminders of the order of the jokes or routines to be done in a show.<\/span><\/p>\n

setup <\/b>section one of a joke that establishes or contains a target assumption to create an expectation.<\/span><\/p>\n

setup-premise <\/b>step in the Joke Map stating the opposite opinion, to that of the punch-premise, from which setups are written. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

show list<\/b> See<\/span> set list.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

showcase <\/b>perform for the purposes of getting experience or being seen by potential bookers.<\/span><\/p>\n

showcase clubs <\/b>venues using a line-up of ten or more comedians in a row as the format for their shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

shtick <\/b>Yiddish for a comic scene or piece of business; often implying the use of a gimmick or physical comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n

sight gag <\/b>physical joke meant to be watched.<\/span><\/p>\n

signups <\/b>open mics that require performers to sign up in advance, then later a lottery determines the line-up of that night\u2019s show.<\/span><\/p>\n

smooth on and smooth off <\/b>phrase describing the best way to get on stage and off stage to ensure the show goes well. <\/span>(Phrase coined by Jerry Seinfeld.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

stage time <\/b>1. duration, in minutes, a comedian spends in front of an audience making them laugh. 2. amount of time a comedian has spent performing to get experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Step by Step to Stand-Up Comedy<\/b> book written by Greg Dean about the craft of comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n

step on a laugh <\/b>talking during or taking an action that diminishes or kills the current laughter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

stool <\/b>only traditional furniture on a stand-up comedy stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

stretch <\/b>when an MC goes on stage and entertains the audience until some technical or logistical problem is solved.<\/span><\/p>\n

surprise <\/b>intended result of a punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

T<\/b><\/p>\n

tag <\/b>or <\/span>tag line <\/b>additional punch immediately following a punch that does not require a new setup.<\/span><\/p>\n

take, a <\/b>comedic facial reaction. e.g. Jack Benny.<\/span><\/p>\n

talking head <\/b>comics who memorize their jokes and deliver them with no emotion or physical movement.<\/span><\/p>\n

talk over a laugh <\/b>speaking while the audience is laughing. See<\/span> step on a laugh, kill a laugh.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

target <\/b>shortened term for target assumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

target assumption <\/b>joke structure mechanism usually in the joke\u2019s setup that establishes the expected meaning of the connector. <\/span>(Term coined by Greg Dean.)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

triple up <\/b>perform in three comedy rooms or clubs in one night.<\/span><\/p>\n

throw away<\/b> to place little performing emphasis on a point usually considered important.<\/span><\/p>\n

time slot <\/b>location a comedian occupies within a comedy club lineup.<\/span><\/p>\n

timing <\/b>see<\/span> comedy timing or comic timing.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

topic <\/b>based on something wrong, a single category from which an entire routine or show is written.<\/span><\/p>\n

topical jokes <\/b>comedy material based on current events.<\/span><\/p>\n

topper <\/b>antiquated term referring to a joke playing off a previous joke; see<\/span> tag<\/span><\/i>.<\/span><\/p>\n

traditional comedy clubs <\/b>venues that employ an MC or opener, feature or middle, and headliner comedians as the format for their shows.<\/span><\/p>\n

U<\/b><\/p>\n

unpaid regular <\/b>comedian who frequently performs at a showcase comedy club but does not get paid for performing because they are doing it to get experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

V<\/b><\/p>\n

variety performer <\/b>comedians who do comedy along with a variety skill, such as juggling, guitar, magic, ventriloquism, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/b><\/p>\n

walking ovation<\/b> obligatory applause while the audience runs out of the room or club.<\/span><\/p>\n

week gigs <\/b>comedy jobs performed on Thursday through Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

weekend gigs <\/b>comedy jobs performed on Friday, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday.<\/span><\/p>\n

X<\/b><\/p>\n

Y<\/b><\/p>\n

Z<\/b><\/p>\n

Greg Dean\u2019s Stand-Up Comedy Glossary of Terms and Phrases has been developed over his 4 decades of teaching stand up comedy. Many people who want to know about stand-up comedy classes are searching for a resource related to stand-up comedy and being a comedian. We hope that you will visit this page and use the info in this Stand-Up Comedy Glossary of Terms and Phrases as often as you need and also refer it to your friends and associates!<\/p>\n

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Greg Dean’s Stand Up Comedy Classes<\/h2>\n

Greg teaches his stand up comedy techniques in two classes.\u00a0 The first is called “How to Build a Stand Up Comedy Routine” and is the beginning class (also called the “101 class”) and the “Advanced Joke Writing & Performing Class” (also known as the “201 class”).\u00a0 He also offers an ongoing jokewriting group for stand up comedians who want to work on their material.<\/p>\n

Even though these classes are named a beginning and advanced,\u00a0 they are actually classes that stand up comedians of any number of years of experience can and do take.\u00a0 They are beginning and advanced in the Greg Dean system.<\/p>\n

Greg teaches his classes live in Santa Monica as well as live on zoom.\u00a0 If you are in the greater Los Angeles area, you can sign up for his classes at the Santa Monica Playhouse. Otherwise, you can sign up for a zoom class.\u00a0 Check the Events Calendar to see when the next available classes are being held.\u00a0 Events Calendar<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition to his live classes in Santa Monica and on zoom, Greg also teaches joke writing via his on demand platform.\u00a0 One of his most popular classes is “Joke Writing Made Simple”.\u00a0 This class can be done in your own time, and at your own pace.\u00a0 You can find out more about this class here: https:\/\/dev.thatstudio.net\/stand-upcomedy\/product\/joke-writing-made-simple\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Many of the definitions found in this stand-up comedy glossary of terms and phrases are taught in more detail in his stand up comedy classes.<\/p>\n

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Follow Us on S<\/strong>ocial Media?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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