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Vaudeville's Contribution to Language and Slang: Tracing the Origins of Popular Expressions

Description: Vaudeville's Contribution to Language and Slang: Tracing the Origins of Popular Expressions
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: vaudeville language slang popular expressions
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Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

  2. A penny saved is a penny earned

  3. The early bird gets the worm

  4. Break a leg


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The expression "Break a leg" is a traditional saying used in the theater to wish someone good luck before a performance. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to wish performers good luck before they went on stage.

The term "hokum" is often used to describe what kind of material in Vaudeville?

  1. Jokes

  2. Songs

  3. Dances

  4. Sketches


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The term "hokum" is often used to describe jokes or comedy routines that are considered to be corny or unoriginal. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe jokes that were specifically designed to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. The whole nine yards

  2. The cat's out of the bag

  3. The bee's knees

  4. The big cheese


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The expression "The bee's knees" is a slang term that means "the best" or "the greatest." It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe something that was particularly impressive or entertaining.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured a comedian telling jokes while seated at a table?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Improv


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A monologue is a type of Vaudeville act that features a comedian telling jokes while seated at a table. Monologues were often used as a way to introduce other acts or to provide a break in the show.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. A stitch in time saves nine

  2. A rolling stone gathers no moss

  3. A watched pot never boils

  4. All's well that ends well


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The expression "All's well that ends well" is a proverb that means that everything will turn out for the best in the end. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that even the most difficult situations can be resolved if you just keep trying.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured a comedian telling jokes while standing up?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Improv


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Stand-up is a type of Vaudeville act that features a comedian telling jokes while standing up. Stand-up comedians often use props or physical comedy to enhance their routines.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush

  2. A penny saved is a penny earned

  3. The early bird gets the worm

  4. Break a leg


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The expression "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" is a proverb that means that it is better to have something certain than to risk it for something that is uncertain. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that it is better to have a sure thing than to gamble on something that might not pay off.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured two or more comedians telling jokes back and forth?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Improv


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Cross-talk is a type of Vaudeville act that features two or more comedians telling jokes back and forth. Cross-talk comedians often use wordplay and puns to create humor.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. The whole nine yards

  2. The cat's out of the bag

  3. The bee's knees

  4. The big cheese


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The expression "The whole nine yards" is a slang term that means "everything." It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that a performer would give everything they had to their performance.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured a comedian improvising jokes on the spot?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Improv


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Improv is a type of Vaudeville act that features a comedian improvising jokes on the spot. Improv comedians often use audience suggestions to create their material.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. A stitch in time saves nine

  2. A rolling stone gathers no moss

  3. A watched pot never boils

  4. All's well that ends well


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The expression "A rolling stone gathers no moss" is a proverb that means that someone who is always moving around will never accumulate anything. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that performers who were constantly on the road had no time to build up a nest egg.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured a comedian telling jokes while wearing a costume?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Burlesque


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Burlesque is a type of Vaudeville act that features a comedian telling jokes while wearing a costume. Burlesque comedians often use satire and parody to create humor.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. A stitch in time saves nine

  2. A rolling stone gathers no moss

  3. A watched pot never boils

  4. All's well that ends well


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The expression "A watched pot never boils" is a proverb that means that something that you are waiting for will seem to take longer to happen if you are constantly watching it. It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that performers who were anxiously waiting for their cue to go on stage would often feel like time was moving very slowly.

What was the name of the type of Vaudeville act that featured a comedian telling jokes while singing?

  1. Monologue

  2. Cross-talk

  3. Stand-up

  4. Musical Comedy


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Musical Comedy is a type of Vaudeville act that features a comedian telling jokes while singing. Musical Comedy comedians often use songs to satirize current events or popular culture.

Which of the following expressions originated from Vaudeville?

  1. The whole nine yards

  2. The cat's out of the bag

  3. The bee's knees

  4. The big cheese


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The expression "The cat's out of the bag" is a slang term that means "the secret is out." It originated in Vaudeville, where it was used to describe the fact that a performer had accidentally revealed a secret during their act.

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