Oneliners

A one-liner is a brief joke or a single line of dialogue designed to deliver humor in a compact, efficient form. In comedy, a one-liner is typically a complete joke expressed in one sentence or a short phrase, often relying on wordplay, misdirection, or a surprising twist. Some one-liners function as self-contained gags, while others serve as punchy taglines or quick quips within a larger routine.

History and development: The one-liner has roots in vaudeville and early stand-up, where performers used short, rapid-fire lines to elicit immediate laughs. Henny Youngman popularized the format with relentless, short quips such as “Take my wife, please.” Over time, the form evolved to include a range of styles, from sharp observational humor to surreal or anti-joke variants, with contributors like Milton Berle, Steven Wright, and Emo Philips expanding its palette.

Forms and techniques: One-liners vary in style, including observational lines that capture everyday quirks, pun-based jokes that hinge on wordplay, and anti-jokes that subvert expectation. A strong one-liner often relies on concise diction, a clear setup, and a quick, strong punchline. Rhythm, cadence, and economy of language are central to their effectiveness, especially when delivered aloud.

Cultural presence: Beyond live performances, one-liners are common in television monologues, print epigrams, and online content. The form is well suited to platforms that prize brevity, such as microblogging and social media, where short, shareable wit can reach wide audiences.

Examples: “Take my wife, please.” attributed to Henny Youngman. “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.” These lines illustrate the compact, twist-ending style typical of the one-liner.