Is 'gagger' a common word for comedian?

No, it is quite rare and somewhat old-fashioned. 'Comedian', 'comic', or 'stand-up' are far more common.

What's the difference between a gagger and a gag writer?

A gagger typically performs the jokes, while a gag writer primarily writes them. One person can be both.

Can 'gagger' mean anything negative?

Its historical meaning of a mouth restraint is negative. The performer meaning is neutral/positive.

Is this word used in everyday English?

Almost never. It is a specialist or historical term.

Is “gagger” formal?

Gagger is usually informal, occasionally historical/technical in register.

How do you pronounce “gagger”?

Gagger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

gagger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low (specialized, historical)

UK/ˈɡæɡ.ə/US/ˈɡæɡ.ɚ/

Informal, occasionally historical/technical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “gagger” mean?

A person who tells jokes, typically in a professional capacity such as a stand-up comedian.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A person who tells jokes, typically in a professional capacity such as a stand-up comedian; a joke or gag writer.

Historically: a piece of cloth or metal placed in someone's mouth to prevent speaking or shouting (a gag). Informally: a person who habitually tells jokes or uses gags.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both varieties understand the 'joke-teller' meaning. The historical 'restraint' meaning is equally archaic in both.

Connotations

Neutral for performer/writer; negative/harsh for the restraint device. Can sound slightly old-fashioned or niche for the performer sense.

Frequency

Rare in general discourse. More likely found in historical texts (restraint) or in show business contexts (performer/writer).

Grammar

How to Use “gagger” in a Sentence

[be] a gagger[work as] a gagger[hire] a gagger

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

professional gaggerstand-up gaggercomedy gagger

medium

old-time gaggergagger and writerknown as a gagger

weak

good gaggerfamous gaggerteam of gaggers

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Rare, potentially in historical or theatre studies contexts.

Everyday

Very rare. 'Comedian' is vastly preferred.

Technical

Possible in historical reenactment or stagecraft regarding restraint devices.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “gagger”

Strong

gagmangagsterjoke-smith

Neutral

comediangag writerjokester humorist

Weak

funny personwit comic

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “gagger”

straight manserious speakeraudience member

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “gagger”

Confusing it with 'gagger' as one who chokes (from verb 'to gag'). While related etymologically, modern usage separates the performer meaning.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is quite rare and somewhat old-fashioned. 'Comedian', 'comic', or 'stand-up' are far more common.
: A gagger typically performs the jokes, while a gag writer primarily writes them. One person can be both.
: Its historical meaning of a mouth restraint is negative. The performer meaning is neutral/positive.
: Almost never. It is a specialist or historical term.
: A person who tells jokes, typically in a professional capacity such as a stand-up comedian.
: Gagger is usually informal, occasionally historical/technical in register.
: Gagger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡ.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“He's a real gagger (informal, rare)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

GAG + ER: A person (ER) who tells GAGs (jokes).

Conceptual Metaphor

SPEECH PRODUCTION IS A PERFORMANCE (for the joke-teller).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In vaudeville, a was often employed to tell quick jokes between acts.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common modern meaning of 'gagger'?