What does gagster mean?
A gagster is a person whose speciality is jokes, gags, or comic material, especially a comedian or comic entertainer. The word is informal and can sound affectionate, nostalgic, or mildly dismissive, depending on context and tone. In ordinary English, a gagster tells or performs jokes; it may also be used figuratively for someone who keeps others amused through quick wit. It should not be confused with a gangster, despite the similar sound: the two words have different meanings and are not exact rhymes. Because “gagster” is built transparently from “gag” and the agent suffix “-ster,” its sense is readily recoverable even for a reader encountering it for the first time. The term is most useful when discussing comedy, entertainment, or the character of someone who makes laughter a regular social contribution.
nounA person who tells jokes or makes gags, especially a comedian or comic entertainer.
- A person who tells jokes, gags, or comic stories, especially a comedian or comic entertainer.
"The veteran gagster kept the crowd laughing long after the headline act finished."
"The veteran gagster kept the crowd laughing long after the headline act finished."
"She dismissed the politician as a political gagster who cared more about punchlines than policy."
The standard plural is gagsters.
"Several gifted gagsters shared the stage during the final."
A gangster commits crimes; a gagster commits to comedy—at least in the punchline.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gagster come from?
Gagster was formed in English from the older word gag, meaning a joke or comic trick, and the agent-forming suffix -ster. The compound became established in 20th-century English, especially in American usage, and its structure parallels the much more common word gangster. The suffix -ster commonly marks a person associated with a named activity, as in songster, while the element gag supplies the specifically comic meaning.
How gagster is actually used
Informal rather than formal; it can sound old-fashioned to modern speakers and may be affectionate or mildly dismissive depending on context.
Easily confused with gagster
A gagster makes people laugh, whereas a gangster is a criminal involved in organized crime.