running gag

USAGE SUMMARY

"running gag" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an ongoing joke or theme in a comedy, film, book, etc. For example: "The 'running gag' of the sitcom was Stephen's inability to keep a job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We would have this running gag.

The New Yorker

It was a running gag.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's like a running gag," said Loftin.

The Guardian

– in accordance with the running gag.

The Guardian - Arts

Now they are more of a running gag.

The Guardian - Sport

Sir Alan's running gag is she's a "loser".

The Guardian

The general manager, Jack Zduriencik, even created a running gag.

The New York Times - Sports

"It becomes this running gag," Mr. Reineke said.

The New York Times - Arts

Slashdot's standard nerd hypocrisy is another running gag.

The Guardian - Tech

A running gag enumerates the woes of the archdeacon's absent wife.

The New York Times

Daley Blind's running gag about Jeff Goldblum mispronouncing his name is dire.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "running gag" when you want to emphasize that a joke has been repeated over time, becoming a recognizable element of a story, show, or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "running gag" to describe a single instance of humor. It specifically refers to a joke that is repeated or alluded to multiple times.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "running gag" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It identifies something that is recurring and humorous within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "running gag" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a recurring joke or humorous element in various forms of media and communication. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, with examples predominantly sourced from News & Media. While its register is neutral, its primary function is to identify a comedic device, marking it as a recognizable and humorous element. When considering alternatives, options such as "recurring joke" or "ongoing joke" maintain similar semantic meaning, while still differing in nuance. A key best practice is to ensure the phrase is applied to truly recurring jokes and not isolated instances of humor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurring joke

Focuses on the repetition of the joke rather than its ongoing nature.

ongoing joke

Highlights the continuous nature of the joke, similar to "running gag".

persistent joke

Emphasizes the enduring quality of the joke.

established joke

Highlights the fact that the joke has become a standard or well-known element.

continuing jest

A more formal way of describing an ongoing joke.

recurring theme

Shifts the focus from humor to a broader element that appears repeatedly.

regular bit

Suggests a recurring comedic routine or segment.

constant refrain

Implies a repeated saying or idea, often humorous.

signature gag

Similar to trademark joke, highlighting a distinctive and repeated joke.

trademark joke

Indicates a joke closely associated with a particular person or show.

FAQs

How to use "running gag" in a sentence?

You can use "running gag" to describe a recurring joke or humorous element in a story, show, or situation. For example: "The character's constant clumsiness became a "running gag" throughout the series."

What can I say instead of "running gag"?

You can use alternatives like "recurring joke", "ongoing joke", or "recurring theme" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "running gag" or "run-on gag"?

"Running gag" is the correct and widely accepted term. "Run-on gag" is not a standard phrase with the same meaning.

What's the difference between "running gag" and "inside joke"?

A ""running gag"" is a joke that's repeated throughout a performance and obvious to an audience. An inside joke is only funny to those "in the know".