gagman

[ gag-man ]

noun

, plural gag·men.

1. a person who writes comic material for public performers.
2. a comedian who uses a patter of jokes and funny remarks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gagman¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; gag ² + man

Example Sentences

“As hard as it is to find anything at the Pentagon,” the veteran gagman quipped, “they finally found a sense of humor.”

From Washington Post

In his 20s, he spent five years as a gagman for the great radio comic Fred Allen, a period he sums up as “a long dream in a feather bed.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• buffoon
• comedian
• comic
• fool
• jester
• mime
• prankster