Skip to main content

Shatner Pause

Shatner Pause (punctuation) - A "Shatner Pause" is an insertion of an unnecessary pause while speaking or communicating through text based systems such as SMS text, chatting, or instant messaging. A Shatner Pause is defined as any sentence where two or more words are incorrectly given more emphasis and immediately followed by a pause whereupon the sentence is continued where yet another Shatner Pause may be inserted or the sentence ended.

In literary situations, such as text based communication or in print, the Shatner Pause should be designated using the double comma " ,, " instead of ellipsis " ... ". The ellipse "..." is properly used as a moment of silence. A moment of silence without defined theatrics is not defined as a Shatner Pause. Take note that the Shatner Pause in print does not carry the same grammar properties as typical punctuation in that it may interrupt a sentence without any notice but will not alter the structure of the sentence in any way.

The Shatner Pause was made famous by its namesake William Shatner. William Shatner is a professional actor and entertainer who gained popularity as Capt. Kirk on the 1960's television series Star Trek. Many examples of the Shatner Pause can be found watching the episodes.
"The night will bring,, many hardships before the sun rises." single Shatner Pause

"You are,, eating my chips,, and I want them back" example of a double Shatner Pause
by Ghost @ NerdNOS May 6, 2010
mugGet the Shatner Pause mug.

Sandusky pause

When you inappropriately pause before answering a serious question or during the process of answering a serious question. Coined by Jerry Sandusky when pausing after asked by Bob Costas if he was sexually attracted to young boys.
Keith gave a Sandusky pause when asked by his HR rep if he was masturbating in front of Erin Andrews.

HR rep: Keith, did you or have you ever masturbated in front of Erin Andrews?

Keith: Masturbated in front of Erin Andrews? What? Like jerk off? In front of Erin Andrews? Are you serious? Come on. Masturbate in front of Erin Andrews? No. I--what? That's silly. I would never masturbate in front of her. No. I didn't masturbate in front of her.
by hoboscratch1 November 15, 2011
mugGet the Sandusky pause mug.
Related Words

Jake Pauler

Jake pauler: Mom, can you buy me some jake paul merch?
Mom: What tf did you just say?!?
Jake pauler: I want some Jake paul merch bc he’s my favorite youtuber!
Mom: HANK! LOAD THE CAR, WE HAVE TO GO AND DROP BILLY OFF AT THE ORPHANAGE!!!!!
by Rodrick Heffley’s grandma April 23, 2019
mugGet the Jake Pauler mug.

PauseChamp

A variation of the twitch emote PogChamp with the mouth closed. It is used for moments of anticipation, especially before a PogChamp moment.
Streamer: Wait for it.. wait for it...
Chat: PauseChamp
by dasquidkid February 13, 2020
mugGet the PauseChamp mug.

Pause Face

A random weird facial expression left on the screen when you pause a video. This is totally unintentional and not to be confused with a pause job.
Chelsea Handler never fails to make me laugh when she has pause face.
by B Boo April 3, 2010
mugGet the Pause Face mug.

Pause

A powerful and ancient word that is used to stop sus vibes from the people around you.
Bro, this is so long. Pause”
by Word of the Gods September 7, 2020
mugGet the Pause mug.

Logan Pauler

Someone who has a mental problem.
Another way to show how stupid you are.
Someone who is easily influenced by stupidity.
That Logan Pauler is in the corner crying.
by A Fellow Dictionary ☺ September 17, 2018
mugGet the Logan Pauler mug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email