Csattanó

Csattanó is a Hungarian noun referring to the final part of a joke, story, or situation that delivers the surprise, humor, or payoff—the punchline or twist. It denotes the moment when the setup lands a payoff, often subverting expectations or providing a clever turn of phrase. In reviews, storytelling, and rhetorical analysis, the csattanó is the component that clarifies why a joke works or why a narrative ending feels effective.

Etymology and usage notes: the word derives from the verb csattan, meaning to snap, crack, or land with impact. The suffix -ó turns the action or result into a noun, signifying the thing that snaps into place. In practice, speakers describe both humorous and dramatic endings as csattanók, using phrases like “jó csattanó” (a good punchline) or “csattanó poén” for a particularly sharp or surprising closing line. The term is common in discussions of stand-up, anecdotes, cartoons, and advertising copy where a swift, memorable payoff is valued.

Relation to related concepts: while closely aligned with the English “punchline,” the Hungarian csattanó also covers twist endings and decisive finales in fiction and narrative, not limited to humor. Identifying the csattanó helps explain the effectiveness of a joke or the satisfaction of a story’s conclusion.