Pun Meaning and Definition
Pun
Pronunciation
/pʌn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A humorous or witty remark that exploits multiple meanings of a word or phrase, often producing a clever or ironic effect.
Examples
- The comedian’s pun about cats being “paws-itive” got a laugh from the audience.
- In the movie, the pun on “Bee-utiful” was a clever play on words.
Synonyms
- Wit
- Humor
Antonyms
- Seriousness
- Silence
Etymology
The word “pun” comes from the Old French “punner,” meaning “to spit,” possibly relating to the act of spitting out words in a playful manner.
Usage Notes
Puns are often used in language to add humor, cleverness, or wit to a conversation or text. However, they can also be overused or become clichés, which may lead to annoyance or eye-rolling from listeners or readers.
Cultural References
Puns have appeared in various forms of media, such as jokes, riddles, and wordplay in literature, comedy, and pop culture. They can be found in the works of famous comedians, writers, and linguists.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Pun intended.”
Related Words or Phrases
Humor, wit, joke, play on words, double meaning.
Collocations
a pun a minute, a pun a day keeps the doctor away
Frequency of Use
The frequency of puns varies depending on the context and audience. In informal settings, puns might be common, while in formal or professional settings, they may be less acceptable.
Common Misspellings
pone, penu