Revision as of 14:41, 14 October 2006

Pun

An expression that achieves emphasis or humor by contriving an ambiguity, two distinct meanings being suggested either by the same word (polysemy) or by two similar-sounding words (homophone) (Baldick 209). The conflating of homonyms and near-homonyms to produce a humorous effect, or a comparable play on words and phrases with similar sounds, sometimes requiring the [often forced] adaptation of one word or phrase to fit the other (McArthur 822).

In the terminology of rhetoric, punning is regarded as a figure of speech and known as paranomasia (Baldick 209).

Examples

Is life worth living? - It depends on the liver.

At his funeral, four of his drinking companions carried the bier.

For further reading, see also double entendre and/or equivoque.

Works Cited

Baldick, Chris. Concise Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press, 2004.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 == Pun ==
 An expression that achieves emphasis or humor by contriving an ambiguity, two distinct meanings being suggested either by the same word (polysemy) or by two similar-sounding words (homophone) (Baldick 209).
+The conflating of homonyms and near-homonyms to produce a humorous effect, or a comparable play on words and phrases with similar sounds, sometimes requiring the [often forced] adaptation of one word or phrase to fit the other (McArthur 822).
 In the terminology of rhetoric, punning is regarded as a figure of speech and known as paranomasia (Baldick 209).
-For further reading, see also double entendre and/or equivoque.
+= Examples =
+* ''Is life worth living? - It depends on the liver.''
+* ''At his funeral, four of his drinking companions carried the bier.''
+For further reading, see also double entendre and/or equivoque.
 == Works Cited ==
 * Baldick, Chris. Concise Dictionary of Literary Terms. Oxford University Press, 2004.