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...

surprise the audience, to bring the tale to a happy ending or act as a comedic device. Deus ex machina is a Latin calque from Greek ἀπὸ μηχανῆς θεός (apò...

are usually referred to as "custard pies". Custard pies are used as a comedic device by clowns in many circus performances, in practical jokes for harmless...

pleasure, or onto the face or head of another person, sometimes as a comedic device. The name of the practice, when it is done in a repeated in-and-out...

is often banned in sports. Groin attacks have been popularized as a comedic device in various forms of media. An attack to the groin in sports is considered...

prostitutes, and cunning servants. Their largely gentle comedy of manners drew on a vast array of dramatic devices, characters and situations their predecessors...

intentionally or unintentionally swapping two objects.[citation needed] As a comedic device, this was a favorite of Woody Allen; for a time, he used so many switcheroos...

Rakugo (落語, literally 'story with a fall') is a form of Japanese verbal comedy, traditionally performed in yose theatres. The lone storyteller (落語家, rakugoka)...

laughter, which then guides the comedic narrative. The pacing of the delivery of a joke can have a strong impact on its comedic effect, even altering its meaning;...

repeated in irrelevant and inappropriate situations. It also serves as a comedic device because the actions suggested by "sitting, drinking and eating" are...