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The Oxford English Dictionary cites a 1928 New York Times article as having the first appearance of the term in print. [5] That article, a collection of film slang compiled by writer and theatrical agent Frank J. Wilstach, defines "dead pan" as "playing a role with expressionless face, as, for instance, the work of Buster Keaton."
Repetition is the essential comedic device and is often used in combination with other devices to reinforce them. The "callback" in comedy writing—in which a statement or theme is recalled as the punchline or close of a scene—is a classic example of the tension and release that are possible using repetition.
Innuendo in British humour is evident in the literature as far back as Beowulf and Chaucer, and it is a prevalent theme in many British folk songs. Shakespeare often used innuendo in his comedies, but it is also often found in his other plays. [6]
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A list of theater terms, and brief descriptions, listed in alphabetical order. Act: A division of a play, may be further broken down into "scenes". Also, what the performers do on-stage. [1] Ad-lib: When a performer improvises line on-stage. Derived from ad libitum (Latin). [1] Aisle: An open space amongst seating for passage. [2]
Pages in category "English-language slang" The following 47 pages are in this category, out of 47 total. This list may not reflect recent changes. 0–9.
Prop, Property: an object used in the play, from the Middle English proppe, meaning a support, not originally related to property as in ownership; does not include scenery or costumes. Proscenium , Proscenium arch : the boundary between the stage and the audience in a conventional theatre; it appears to form an arch over the stage from the ...
Occasionally, real people with a name that could be interpreted as a funny or vulgar phrase are subject to mockery or parody. [1] For example, Hu Jintao, former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, whose surname is pronounced like "who", and former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, whose surname is pronounced like "when", have occasionally been the topic of humor similar to the "Who's ...