[Vocabulary] Talking about jokes

Question 1

He forgot the p_ and the joke fell flat.

= the last line of the joke, which makes it funny

Answer 1

He forgot the punchline and the joke fell flat.
/ˈpʌntʃlaɪn/

Question 2

This is a well-known joke based on a p_: “What’s black and white and red (= read) all over?” “A newspaper.”

= игра слов

Answer 2

This is a well-known joke based on a pun: “What’s black and white and red (= read) all over?” “A newspaper.”

Question 3

So let’s kick off, n_ p_ in_,
with a little soccer.

= извините за каламбур

Answer 3

So let’s kick off, no pun intended,
with a little soccer.