PUNCHLINE (5 letters) The term 'PART OF A JOKE' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: SETUP (5 letters) and PUNCHLINE (5 letters). A setup is the part of a joke that introduces the audience to the characters, setting, and situation. It is usually the longer part of the joke and is meant to set up the punchline. The punchline is the part of the joke that delivers the surprise or humorous conclusion. It is usually the shorter part of the joke and is meant to deliver the biggest laugh.