A play on words
noun
A joke based on different possible meanings of a word, or words that sound similar but have different meanings.
Her name, Anita Job, was a play on words, meaning she needed a job.
Often appears as...
- make a play on words
- create a play on words
noun
A joke based on different possible meanings of a word, or words that sound similar but have different meanings.
Her name, Anita Job, was a play on words, meaning she needed a job.
Often appears as...
- make a play on words
- create a play on words
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Wit
Understand that play on words often involves cultural references which may not translate well across different languages.
The phrase 'time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana' plays on the word 'flies'.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Effect
A play on words is mainly used for humor or to attract interest by being clever.
He said he was a 'stand-up' guy, meaning he's honest, but he was sitting down.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Is Key
The context of the conversation determines how a play on words is interpreted.
At the bakery, 'doughnut' worry was a playful pun intended to ease stress.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Wit
Understand that play on words often involves cultural references which may not translate well across different languages.
The phrase 'time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana' plays on the word 'flies'.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Effect
A play on words is mainly used for humor or to attract interest by being clever.
He said he was a 'stand-up' guy, meaning he's honest, but he was sitting down.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Is Key
The context of the conversation determines how a play on words is interpreted.
At the bakery, 'doughnut' worry was a playful pun intended to ease stress.
Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Wit
Understand that play on words often involves cultural references which may not translate well across different languages.
The phrase 'time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana' plays on the word 'flies'.
Pro Tip 2/3Humorous Effect
A play on words is mainly used for humor or to attract interest by being clever.
He said he was a 'stand-up' guy, meaning he's honest, but he was sitting down.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Is Key
The context of the conversation determines how a play on words is interpreted.
At the bakery, 'doughnut' worry was a playful pun intended to ease stress.
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