Pun

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).

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.

Works Cited

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