Punning: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽญ
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punning

 

[ หˆpสŒnษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

wordplay humor

Punning refers to the humorous use of a word or phrase to suggest two or more meanings or the use of words that sound similar but have different meanings. This form of wordplay involves creating a play on words that often leads to a punchline or a joke. Puns can be used in various contexts, from casual conversation to professional writing and comedy. Skillful punning can show linguistic creativity and wit, making it a popular device in literary works and jokes.

Synonyms

double entendre, play on words, wordplay

Examples of usage

  • Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
  • I used to be a baker, but I couldn't make enough dough.
  • Being a carpenter is just plane fun.
  • I went to buy some camo pants, but couldnโ€™t find any.

Translations

Translations of the word "punning" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น jogo de palavras

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆ เค–เฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wortspiel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ permainan kata

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะปะพะฒะตัะฝะฐ ะณั€ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ gra sล‚รณw

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่จ€่‘‰้Šใณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท jeu de mots

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ juego de palabras

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kelime oyunu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ง์žฅ๋‚œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ุนุจุฉ ุงู„ูƒู„ู…ุงุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hra se slovy

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hra so slovami

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅŒๅ…ณ่ฏญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ igra besed

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ orรฐaleikur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะท ะพะนั‹ะฝั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒขแƒงแƒ•แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒก แƒ—แƒแƒ›แƒแƒจแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sรถz oyunu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ juego de palabras

Etymology

The word 'pun' originates from the late 17th century and is believed to be a derivative of the Italian word 'puntiglio', which means 'a point of detail' or 'punctilio'. The concept itself, however, can be traced back to ancient times, with puns being found in various forms of literature from Greek and Roman authors. Over the centuries, puns have become a popular form of humor in English, with Shakespeare often employing them in his plays. The evolution of the pun as a literary and comedic device showcases the playful nature of language and its ability to convey multiple meanings, often with a humorous twist.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,314 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.