What's a gag?

Queen Elinor combs Merida's wild hair, character sketch by Matt Nolte

In story, what do we mean when we use the term 'gag'? That is something I've been wondering about for a while now. The obvious definition is that a gag is a joke. That's actually also what it says in the dictionary: "A joke or an amusing story, especially one forming part of a comedian's act or in a film." 

Okay, so a gag is a joke. But although I agree that a gag often is a joke, to me a gag can also be a lot of other things. Like the above drawing by Matt Nolte, I mean is Elinor combing Merida's hair a joke? There's not really a punchline or anything. But it sure is a funny character moment. And to me this also counts as a gag. 

But what if it isn't even a funny moment? To stick with Pixar films for a moment, I'd argue that Anton Ego having a flashback when he tastes Remy's ratatouille also is a gag. Or when Mr. Incredible has to stop a train from crashing, in the opening sequence of The Incredibles? Just before the impact he winces as he braces himself for the train to hit him. I'd argue that that is another example of a gag. 

I've noticed that in live-action sometimes stunt people also refer to 'gags'. Indiana Jones replacing the statue the bag with sand on the pedestal is also a gag. The rippling of the water in the cups when the the T-Rex approaches is a gag. 

Looking at these different examples I'd say that a gag is a brief visual moment that gives insight in the characters and /or their world. The gag of Elinor combing Merida's hair works because it so clearly illustrates both their characters: Elinor is neat and controlled, Merida is an untamable force of nature. Anton Ego having a flashback shows us why he loves food so much. Mr Incredible bracing for impact shows us that he might have super powers but he is not indestructible. And Indiana Jones' move with the sandbag show us he is fast and resourceful. 

I'm planning to do some more posts to further illustrate the different concepts of gags in the next week or so.