1.

quip

The author is a famous quip, ready to come up with a funny remark at any moment.

When asked about her background, the applicant quipped into a long story about her difficult childhood.

I find it annoying when people try to answer even serious questions with a quip.

2.

punch line

A punch line is a line that forms in front of a punch bowl.

Timing is important when one delivers the punch line of a joke.

The punch line is always the first sentence of a joke, meant to catch the listener's attention.

3.

facetious

Facetious people have no sense of humor and hate it if they become the butt of a joke.

The comedian sensed that the audience was facetious and started to tell his best jokes.

She tried to ease the tension in the room by telling a facetious story about her recent trip.

4.

irony

"That's just great!" is often used ironically, that is, in situations that are far from great.

Ironic people have the iron will to do right no matter what the situation is.

In an ironic story, an author makes fun of him- or herself.

5.

slapstick

Slapstick humor occurs only in silent movies because it does not rely on words.

Slapstick jokes are jokes without a good punch line.*

Slapstick depends on perfect timing and is difficult to do in front of a live audience.

6.

parody

It was pure parody when the porn shop claimed to be an art store.

The speaker tried to impress her listeners by parodying her accomplishments in front of them.

Shows like Saturday Night Live delight in parodying the habits of news anchors.

7.

bawdy

A bawdy joke is a joke that isn't really funny.

People who deplore bad taste on cable TV should fight for shows with greater bawdiness.

The official appeared always very proper in public, but could be quite bawdy in private.

8.

prank

A prankster is so full of himself that he hardly listens when other people talk.

A favorite summer prank is splashing water on unsuspecting people in a pool.

Pulling a gun on somebody is a good example of a prank.

9.

banter

Banter is humor that may be considered offensive by some groups.

The comedian was quick-witted enough to banter with the audience on a regular basis.

Banter is banned from most talk shows after the host has delivered his initial monologue.*

10.

gleeful

The audience watched gleefully as the repulsive villain was finally vanquished* by the hero.

The neighborhood responded with glee when the popular local restaurant closed down.

Gleeful feelings are guilty feelings that arise when you enjoy something that you know you should not like.