Figurative language: Difference between revisions

A humorous play on words achieved by manipulating the meaning of a single word or phrase usually executed in one of two ways: by using homophones, which are two words with similar sounds, or homographs, which are two words that are spelled the same but that have different meanings. Often used for comedic effect, but are also used to demonstrate a substantial vocabulary and clever wordplay.  

Example: You can tune a guitar, but you can't tuna fish. Unless of course you play bass. (The homophonic pun is "tuna" which sounds like "tune a" and the homographic pun is "bass" which is spelled the same whether it is referring the the fish or the musical instrument.)