What about -- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sockdolager On Thu, May 4, 2023 at 5:14 PM Railton, Stephen F (sfr) < [log in to unmask]> wrote: > Maybe you’re thinking of “snapper.” > ________________________________ > From: Mark Twain Forum <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Clay Shannon < > [log in to unmask]> > Sent: Thursday, May 4, 2023 5:07 PM > To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> > Subject: Lightning/bug > > Twain used a certain word for the part of a story that caused a jolt to > the reader or that made them laugh. He didn't use the word "punchline" for > this; does anybody remember what it was? > > -- B. Clay Shannon >