gag
B2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To choke, retch, or have something obstructing the mouth or throat; also, to prevent someone from speaking freely.
A joke, humorous remark, or theatrical bit designed to get a laugh; a physical restraint placed over someone's mouth to prevent speech.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primary meanings are divided between physical reaction (choking) and a comedic/restrictive act. In comedy, it's a prepared piece of humour, often visual or physical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both share core meanings. In comedy, 'gag' is slightly more established in American showbiz jargon (e.g., 'running gag'). The physical 'gag order' (legal) is more common in American English.
Connotations
Physical gagging is universal. As a joke, it can imply a less sophisticated, more formulaic humour.
Frequency
Medium frequency. The physical verb is common; the noun for a joke is very common in media/entertainment contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
V (intransitive): He gagged on the fish bone.V on N: She gagged on the bitter medicine.VN (transitive): The smell gagged him. / They tried to gag the press.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gag order”
- “running gag”
- “gag rule”
- “gag me with a spoon (US, dated, expressive of disgust)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could refer to a 'gag clause' in a contract preventing disclosure.
Academic
Rare, except in legal studies ('gag order') or media studies discussing censorship.
Everyday
Common for physical reaction to bad taste/smell, and for referring to a joke.
Technical
Medical: 'gag reflex'. Legal: 'gag order'. Entertainment: 'comic gag'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The horrible stench made him gag.
- The government attempted to gag the newspaper.
- He gagged on his pint of warm bitter.
American English
- The smell of sulfur made her gag.
- The judge issued an order to gag the lawyers from speaking to the press.
- He gagged on the overly sweet coffee.
adverb
British English
- It was said gag-inducingly sweet.
American English
- The room was decorated gag-worthy pink.
adjective
British English
- It was just a gag gift for the office party.
- He went on a gag driving licence course for a laugh.
American English
- He brought a gag gift to the white elephant exchange.
- It was a gag proposal, but she said yes anyway.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The baby gagged on the mashed peas.
- He told a silly gag.
- The comedian's best gag involved a rubber chicken.
- I almost gag when I smell blue cheese.
- The new law is seen as an attempt to gag scientific dissent.
- The film's running gag about lost keys kept the audience laughing.
- Parliament debated the ethical implications of the gag order imposed on the whistleblower.
- The playwright's humour relied not on dialogue but on meticulously choreographed visual gags.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GAG: Got A Goat? Imagine a goat eating your notes to GAG (stop) your speech, making you GAG (choke) with surprise.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS BREATH / HUMOUR IS A SURPRISE ATTACK. Silencing someone is like blocking their airway. A good joke 'hits' the audience unexpectedly.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'гаг' (not a word). 'Gag' as a joke is not 'анекдот' (anecdote) but often a visual or quick joke - 'шутка', 'прикол'. The physical act is 'давиться', 'рвотный позыв'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'gag' for a long, narrative joke (use 'joke' or 'story').
- Confusing 'He gagged the reporter' (silenced) with 'He gagged on the water' (choked).
Practice
Quiz
In a legal context, what does 'gag' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Choke' implies a more serious, potentially life-threatening blockage of the airway. 'Gag' is the convulsive reflex to clear the throat, often from disgust or a minor irritation, and may not involve full blockage.
No. While it can mean a joke, often physical or visual, it can also mean something that induces a retching reaction or a measure to silence someone. Context is key.
A legal order issued by a judge to restrict information or comment about a case from being made public, typically to ensure a fair trial.
Yes. As a noun: 'He told a gag.' / 'The kidnapper used a gag.' As a verb: 'The smell will gag you.' / 'To gag the press.'