wordplays
Jokes using language
Wordplays are instances of wordplay—clever or witty uses of language that exploit multiple meanings, similar sounds, or other linguistic features for humorous or rhetorical effect.
The term covers puns, double entendres, and other verbal tricks: Shakespeare's wordplays often work on multiple levels simultaneously.
Also spelled as two words.
Newly created expression
- portmanteauWord combining two others
- coinageInvented term or currency
- blendCombine into mixture
- contranymWord meaning its opposite
retronym · backronym · protologism · eggcorn
Rhetorical use of puns
- double-entendreWords with suggestive second meaning
- homophoneIdentically pronounced, differently spelled word
- homonymWord with twin sound
- malapropismSound-alike word confusion
spoonerism · mondegreen · homograph · equivoque · punster · groaner · heteronym · polysemy
Humorous statement seeking laughter
- jestHumorous remark or act
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- japeMocking trick or quip
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
drollery · facetiousness · tongue-in-cheek · levity · whimsy · innuendo · lampoon · spoof
Brief, clever remark
- wisecrackFlippant clever remark
- bon-motClever, apt remark
- riposteSwift clever reply
- reparteeQuick, clever conversation
one-liner · zinger · epigram · retort · comeback · rejoinder · barb · sally
Inverted parallel construction
- antithesisDirect opposite; contrasting juxtaposition
- oxymoronSelf-contradicting phrase device
- zeugmaOne word, multiple applications
- epistropheRepeating concluding words
neologism
Newly created expression
- portmanteauWord combining two others
- coinageInvented term or currency
- blendCombine into mixture
contranym · retronym · backronym · protologism · eggcorn
paronomasia
Rhetorical use of puns
- double-entendreWords with suggestive second meaning
- homophoneIdentically pronounced, differently spelled word
- homonymWord with twin sound
malapropism · spoonerism · mondegreen · homograph · equivoque · punster · groaner · heteronym · polysemy
joke
Humorous statement seeking laughter
banter · drollery · facetiousness · tongue-in-cheek · levity · whimsy · innuendo · lampoon · spoof · send-up
quip
Brief, clever remark
repartee · one-liner · zinger · epigram · retort · comeback · rejoinder · barb · sally · witticism
chiasmus
Inverted parallel construction
- antithesisDirect opposite; contrasting juxtaposition
- oxymoronSelf-contradicting phrase device
- zeugmaOne word, multiple applications
epistrophe · anaphora · kenning · litotes
crossword
Clue-based letter grid
- anagramReshuffled letter word
- cryptogramCoded message puzzle
- acrosticVertically spelled hidden message
rebuses · cipher · palindrome · pangram · scramble · boggle · scrabble · hangman · charade · cryptic
wordplaysplain speech
Unembellished verbal expression
plain language · unvarnished truth · straight talk · clear prose · deadpan delivery
wordplayslegalese
Attorneys' technical jargon
technical writing · business language · business English · boilerplate · jargon