running joke

noun

1. a joke or humorous allusion used recurrently in a play, film, television skit, etc., for a cumulative comic effect.
2. a subject, reference, remark, etc., that is a continual source of humor.

Example Sentences

The 52-year-old Welshman, who found fame in insurance adverts, had been caught up in controversy with dance partner Katya Jones earlier in the series after what they called a "running joke" backfired.

From BBC

After Evans and Jones' "running joke" was poorly received the pair apologised.

From BBC

The 52-year-old Welshman, who found fame in insurance adverts, had earlier in the series been caught up in controversy with dance partner Katya Jones after what they called a "running joke" backfired.

From BBC

After their "running joke" was poorly received the pair apologised.

From BBC

In contrast, a running joke about the Donald obsessing about his hair has a fun, if gleefully nasty payoff in an episode involving Trump getting his head surgically stapled to impede his male pattern baldness.

From Salon