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

Shatner Pause by Ghost @ NerdNOS May 6, 2010

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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.

Sandusky pause by hoboscratch1 November 15, 2011

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

PauseChamp by dasquidkid February 13, 2020

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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.

Pause Face by B Boo April 3, 2010

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Pause

A powerful and ancient word that is used to stop sus vibes from the people around you.

“Bro, this is so long. Pause”

Pause by Word of the Gods September 7, 2020

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Surf Dracula Syndrome

A phenomenon in film/television series, most notably streaming series, where the main premise is drawn out to such a point that it takes an entire season or more to get the parts of the series the audience is actually interested in seeing.

For example, if a series is titled "Surf Dracula," a majority of viewers would tune in expecting to see Dracula surfing by the first or second episode. However, the entire first season would instead be tedious padding and backstory before finally ending with Dracula surfing in the last five minutes of the season finale.

I watched "Smallville" on Netflix the other day. Dude, it was ten seasons of filler before he finally flew! Major Surf Dracula Syndrome!

Surf Dracula Syndrome by AOmundson June 18, 2023

Word of the Day on October 24, 2026

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Northstarring

Finding your way back to the truth by fixing on one verified fact and working out from there, the way you navigate by the North Star when everything around you is spinning.

Rumours were flying everywhere, so she went northstarring — one checked fact at a time.

Northstarring by Light Bearer October 22, 2026

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Plate of Brown

A plate of brown consists of foods that have little to no nutritional value, and are typically deep fried. A true plate of brown will also be accompanied by a dark soda.

Wanna go to meal hall & grab a plate of brown?

Plate of Brown by Cheddar Craigson September 18, 2020

Word of the Day on October 22, 2026

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Larpenomics

When finance content creators rent out fancy cars and flex cash to seem richer than they really are in order to promote and sell their “get rich quick” courses.

Andrew Tate has mastered the field of larpenomics

Larpenomics by Rbois09 October 21, 2026

Word of the Day on October 21, 2026