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.