gaggery: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareRare, Literary, sometimes Humorous
Quick answer
What does “gaggery” mean?
The act or result of putting a gag on someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or result of putting a gag on someone; forced silence.
A collection or series of jokes, particularly those that are corny, trite, or contrived; humor that is forced or uninspired.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in usage. The word is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
In the 'forced silence' sense, may carry a connotation of authoritarianism. In the 'jokes' sense, often carries a mildly pejorative connotation of low-quality or overdone humor.
Frequency
Virtually never used in contemporary speech or general writing. Found only in specialized, literary, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “gaggery” in a Sentence
to engage in gaggerya collection of gaggeryguilty of gaggeryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaggery” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The comedian's act was to gaggery his way through the set.
American English
- The comic tried to gaggery the crowd with one-liners.
adverb
British English
- He performed gaggerily, relying on tired puns.
American English
- The host joked gaggerily throughout the evening.
adjective
British English
- It had a gaggery quality that fell flat with the audience.
American English
- His style was a bit too gaggery for my taste.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely, in historical or literary criticism discussing censorship or comedy.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gaggery”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gaggery”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaggery”
- Confusing its two unrelated meanings. Using it in modern contexts expecting it to be understood.
- Treating it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare and archaic word. Most native speakers would not recognize it.
One relates to censorship and silencing ('an act of gagging'), while the other relates to humor, specifically of a trite or contrived nature ('a collection of gags/jokes').
It is not recommended, as it will likely cause confusion. More common synonyms like 'jokes', 'buffoonery', or 'censorship' should be used instead.
It is primarily a noun. Related forms like 'gaggery' as an adjective or adverb are even rarer and non-standard formations.
The act or result of putting a gag on someone.
Gaggery is usually rare, literary, sometimes humorous in register.
Gaggery: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡəri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡəri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GAG (joke or muzzle) leading to GAGGERY - either a pile of jokes or the state of being gagged.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMOR IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (a collection of jokes); CENSORSHIP IS MUZZLING/BINDING.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a possible meaning of 'gaggery'?