CANNED LAUGHTER Meaning and
Definition
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Canned laughter refers to pre-recorded laughter or applause that is added to a television or radio broadcast, typically sitcoms or comedy shows, with an aim to enhance the comedic experience for the audience. It is also commonly known as a "laugh track." The term "canned" is used to indicate that the laughter is pre-packaged or pre-recorded.
Canned laughter was initially introduced in the 1950s as a way to simulate the laughter and applause that would naturally occur in a live audience setting. It consists of a compilation of different laughter and applause sounds that are played at appropriate moments during the show, typically following punchlines and funny moments. The intention behind using canned laughter is to encourage the perception of humor and increase the comedic effect of jokes or funny situations. It serves as a cue for the viewer to recognize a comedic moment and to prompt laughter in response.
While canned laughter has faced criticism over the years, with some arguing that it can be manipulative and undermine authentic audience reactions, it continues to be used in many sitcoms as a way to guide and influence the viewer's perception of humor. Proponents argue that it helps set the comedic tone and makes it easier for the audience to engage with the humor presented on screen.
In summary, canned laughter refers to the pre-recorded sound of laughter or applause that is added to a broadcasted sitcom or comedy show to heighten the comedic experience for viewers.
Common Misspellings for CANNED LAUGHTER
- xanned laughter
- vanned laughter
- fanned laughter
- danned laughter
- cznned laughter
- csnned laughter
- cwnned laughter
- cqnned laughter
- cabned laughter
- camned laughter
- cajned laughter
- cahned laughter
- canbed laughter
- canmed laughter
- canjed laughter
- canhed laughter
- cannwd laughter
- cannsd laughter
- canndd laughter
- cannrd laughter
Etymology of CANNED LAUGHTER
The word "canned laughter" has its origins in the early years of broadcast radio and television.
The term "canned" in this context refers to pre-recorded or canned sounds that were stored in cans or tape reels. During the early days of radio and television, it was common for audiences to be recorded and their laughter or applause to be captured for later use. This prerecorded laughter was saved on reels or discs and played back during the broadcast to simulate a live audience response.
The word "laughter" simply refers to the sound of people laughing. When combined, "canned laughter" specifically describes the pre-recorded laughter used in the broadcast to enhance the comedic effect and create the illusion of a live audience. Over time, it has become a widely used term to describe such artificially added laughter in TV shows or movies.
Idioms with the word CANNED LAUGHTER
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canned laughter
Canned laughter refers to pre-recorded laughter or applause that is used in television shows, movies, or other broadcasts to enhance the comedic effect or create the illusion of a live audience.
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