what do people mean by the saying "pregnany pause"?

Question

what do people mean when they say pregant pause in books and movies and such?

*pregnancy pause

Answer 1

A pregnant pause (as in the classical definition, "many possibilities") is a technique of comic timing used to accentuate a comedy element, where the comic pauses at the end of a phrase to build up suspense. It's often used at the end of a comically awkward statement or in the silence after a seemingly non-comic phrase to build up a comeback. Refined and perfected by Jack Benny, the pregnant pause has become a staple of stand-up comedy.

Answer 2

As the first answer says. I think it comes from the awkward way in which a heavily pregnant woman moves, gathering her balance and position before standing and exercising care in moving - there is a pause when we expect her to move, so we wait in anticipation of the move - dramatic effect.

Answer 3

A pregnant pause is one due for a dramatic delivery.

The pause is one in which everyone is silent for a moment, expecting something important or dramatic to be said.