single word requests - What is the first part of a joke called?


How does one refer to the first part of a joke?


The follow up is often referred to as a punchline but I'm unsure how to refer to the first part. Is it a 'joke' or does a 'joke' include the punchline?



Answer



The first part of the joke is the setup, a general question or observation which offers an opportunity to give the punchline in response.


The joke is the setup and punchline combined, as either on its own is not inherently funny, in contrast to a one-liner. To the setup and punchline may also be added tags, additional punchlines using the same setup, and toppers, additional punchlines which use the entire earlier joke as a setup.


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