Pun
Literary term · say it PUN
A pun is wordplay that brings together two meanings of one word, or two words that sound alike. It can make a joke, sharpen an insult, or add a darker meaning to a scene.
Two common kinds of pun
One word, two meanings
A single word carries two meanings at once. Both meanings fit the situation, though one may be unexpected.
In Romeo and Juliet, the dying Mercutio describes his future state with a word that means both serious and a burial place. His joke makes his approaching death more painful.
In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Different words, matching sounds
Two words sound alike, or nearly alike, but mean different things. The joke turns on hearing one meaning while thinking of another.
In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Mouse begins describing his sad history, but Alice looks at his tail. She confuses the spoken word for a story with the word for part of his body.
In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
How to spot a pun
- Look for a word that seems to carry two meanings.
- Try replacing a word with another that sounds like it.
- Check how both meanings connect to the scene.
Does a pun have to be funny?
A pun does not have to be funny; it can also be bitter, threatening, or sad. A character may use wordplay to face danger, hide discomfort, or make an insult carry two meanings.
What is the difference between a pun and a malapropism?
A pun links meanings through a shared word or similar sounds, while a malapropism is a mistaken word choice. In a malapropism, a character uses a similar-sounding but unsuitable word, often without noticing the mistake.
Related terms
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