What is a Pun



What is a Pun!?

Definition: the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words.

They are usually corny jokes that your mom or grandparents would make…probably your English teacher too.

Examples:

When the lumberjack accidentally let his chainsaw slip he quickly became lacked toes intolerant.

JA - Houston

I wanted to be a clarinetist but I couldn't reed music.

SGT Snorkel - Iowa

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.

When William joined the army he disliked the phrase 'fire at will'.

We were so poor when I was growing up we couldn't even afford to pay attention.

Where are Puns used?

Puns are often used as jokes in T.V. shows, movies, and books. Shakespeare would use them as crude humor to appeal to the lower class also known as “groundlings.” They are still used in various media for crude humor.

What do I need to know about puns?

• Puns have double meanings (when said it could mean two things)

• Puns are OFTEN used in literature, especially Shakespeare

• You need to be able to see and identify a pun.

Why do I need to know this?

• for your CRT and EOI (next year)

• Because we are getting ready to start Romeo and Juliet

• So you aren’t lost in conversation in business or social situations.

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