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pun Definition

pun (pun)

noun

the use of a word, or of words which are formed or sounded alike, in such a way as to juxtapose, connect, or bring out two or more of the possible applications of the word or words, usually in a humorous way; a play on words

Etymology: 17th-c. clipped form < ? It puntiglio, fine point, hence verbal quibble: see punctilio

intransitive verb punned, pun·ning

to make a pun or puns

pun Synonyms

pun

n.

conceit, witticism, quip, quibble, double-entendre, play upon words; see also joke 2.

pun Usage Examples

Object

  • title: There's a book coming out in April 2005 which features punning shop titles.
  • reference: The punning reference to the temple site in Haggai 1:10-11, is to barrenness from dryness and drought.
  • headline: I've always thought that punning headlines are written by journalists for journalists, a form of schoolboy showing off.

Converse of object

  • intend: I'd like a stab at that, no pun intended ' .
  • pardon: Moor Trees, if you'll pardon the pun.
  • excuse: Ok, back to spines, excuse the pun... ... ... .
  • forgive: If you forgive the pun in the question what's your view about changing the clocks?
  • resist: I couldn't resist the pun, tho I'm sure someone else got there first.
  • make: I can be wry or sarcastic or make puns or occasionally just be outright funny.

Preposition: on

  • name: Not only is this a pun on the name, Nobody, which Odysseus give himself ( Bk.
  • word: See Mahood for other examples of Shakespeare's puns on unspoken words.

Adjective modifier

  • unintentional: We'll start, if you don't mind the unintentional pun, with the gentleman to my right.
  • dreadful: Confidence is not a stable commodity ( and yes, I do know it's a dreadful pun!
  • awful: Audio wise; to cop an awful pun, its pretty sound.
  • witty: Instead, the solving pleasure arises from tricky clues crossword puzzle solver and witty puns.
  • clever: Certainly not Hassan Elhassan... The Teutonic Finn Connolly has come up with a rather clever pun.
  • terrible: I'm hoping for a cracking time... Yeah go on, groan, it's a terrible pun... .

Modifying Another Word

not: Finally, I must admit to having committed the cardinal sin ( pun not intended!

Preposition: in

title: There is an obvious pun in the title on Wicca, the pagan religion.