Comedy Clubs

Outside observers refer to a comedic element as a 'joke', while insiders call it a 'bit' to emphasize a segment of their routine, highlighting its construction.

Audience notices show timing but insiders refer to the countdown as 'the clock', often a literal countdown light or timer.

Outsiders view audience participation as random heckling; insiders call intentional interaction 'crowd work', an important skill.

Casual viewers call the early comedian on a bill the 'opener'; professionals differentiate with 'feature' as the mid-level act supporting the headliner.

While casual people say 'main performer' or 'main act', insiders use 'headliner' to describe the top-billed comedian.

Casual observers think of open mic as a general public event, insiders see it as essential proving ground for new material.

Audience members see mic and stand as equipment; comedians sometimes call them 'props' when used intentionally in bits.

Non-members say 'stand-up show' to describe the performance, but insiders use 'set' to signify a comedian's specific performance segment during a show.

Casual observers describe 'opening the show'; insiders use 'breaking the ice' to describe warming up the audience early in the set.

Non-comics say 'performing' while insiders say 'doing gigs' when talking about their work on stage.

Casual observers say 'improvised jokes', while comedians say 'freestyling' to describe spontaneous comedy creation.

Outsiders say 'getting heckled' when the audience interrupts; insiders often say 'getting riffed' referring to playful or challenging audience banter.

While outsiders use 'comedy club' for the venue, insiders often just say 'room' referring to the performance space.

Outside observers don’t note it much; insiders recognize 'backstage chatter' as important informal communication.