Committed to the Bit 🤪 What Does Commitment Mean?

What Does It Mean to "Commit to the Bit"?

Exploring the Origins and Meaning of This Comedy Phrase

"Committing to the bit" is a phrase used in comedy to describe fully investing in a joke or comedic persona, no matter how absurd or ridiculous it becomes. But where did this expression come from, and what exactly does it mean to "commit to the bit"?

The Origins and Meaning

The exact origins of "committing to the bit" are still unclear, but it seems to have emerged from improv and sketch comedy circles in the 1970s. In improv, certain performers have to think on their feet and react in the moment. "Committing" means embracing whatever silly or nonsensical direction the scene takes and seeing it through to the end.

To "commit to the bit" means to fully embrace the premise of a joke and take it as far as it can go. It means refusing to break character or wink at the audience, even as the bit gets more and more absurd. A comedian who commits 100% to their jokes, characters, and ideas is said to be "committed to the bit".

Why It Matters in Comedy and in Jokes Generally

Committing fully is important in comedy because it sells the reality of the joke or premise for the audience. A performer who seems embarrassed, unsure, or not fully onboard with their own material will have a hard time getting the audience on board. Conversely, when a performer dives in headfirst and commits to the bit with confidence, it signals to the audience that they should buy into it too.

Committing requires performers to check their ego and fear of looking silly at the door. Great comedians commit fully to each moment and character, even in the face of potential rejection or ridicule. This courage and conviction is what makes the comedy resonate.

Committing vs. Winking

Some comedians are hesitant to fully commit to more outlandish comedic personas or premises. A performer who seems self-conscious gives the audience "permission" to dismiss or disbelieve the bit.

Ironically, winkingly acknowledging the silliness of a joke undercuts it and makes it less funny. That's why commitment is so important - it creates the feeling that whatever is happening on stage or on screen is real and demands the audience's emotional investment.

Famous Examples when You Fully Commit the Bit

Many of the best comedians in history are masters of committing to the bit. Andy Kaufman played his alter ego Tony Clifton to the hilt, never really breaking character even when the audience reacted negatively. Stephen Colbert embodied a completely absurd satirical conservative pundit so fully that some viewers thought it was real. Sacha Baron Cohen's characters like Borat, Ali G, and Bruno work because he is so thoroughly committed.

Trying It Yourself - Become the Commit Master

While committing to the bit comes more naturally to some, anyone can work on embracing this mindset. Start by committing fully when a scene or joke goes in an unexpected direction in rehearsals. Push through the discomfort and play each moment truthfully. Avoid trying to telegraph "this is just a joke" through your performance. Treat comedy as seriously as drama, and commit to whatever the bit requires, however crazy it seems! The more you practice, the easier it will become to commit fully, and the funnier and more confident you will be.

So next time you're performing or just joking around with friends, try "committing to the bit." Take that silly premise or exaggerated character as far as you authentically can. You might surprise yourself with how funny you can be when you're fully committed!

If you shy, you can perform commitment while texting. Chatting can be much funner with silly, but fully commited jokes.

One app that embraces committing to the bit in a social setting is invme.com.

Invme is a free city social network connects locals and tourists by allowing them to discover and share events happening in real time. Users create plans ranging from casual hangouts to dance parties and commit fully to making them happen. The community then joins in on these bits, chatting and coordinating to turn whimsical ideas into memorable nights out. Whether you want to join a bit or create your own, invme.com helps you fully commit to spontaneously experiencing all your city has to offer.

The Joys of Committing Actions

Committing to the bit means having the courage to enthusiastically follow through on ideas that make you and others laugh and light up. When we commit fully, we free ourselves from constant self-judgment and open the door to greater joy and connection. Though initially uncomfortable, committing gets easier with practice and pays dividends in the quality of our relationships, creativity, and lives. It allows us to experience each moment more fully and authentically.

So don't hold back - commit to delighting in the absurdity and wonder of this world with childlike zeal. You have nothing to lose but your inhibitions. Commit to the bit!