linguistics: a word or expression capable of two interpretations with one usually risqué
flirty talk full of double entendres
2
literature: ambiguity of meaning arising from language that lends itself to more than one interpretation
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What is the Difference Between a double entendre and a pun?
The words double entendre and pun are both about double meanings. Double entendre, in fact, originated in an obsolete expression in French, which means “double meaning.” The origins of pun are less certain, but it likely traces to the Italian word puntiglio meaning “fine point, quibble.”In English, double entendre refers to a double meaning in which one meaning is usually shocking or risqué in its sexual suggestiveness. Pun usually has more to do with silly or humorous double meanings than with anything sexually suggestive or lewd.
Example Sentences
The song's title is a double entendre.
Recent Examples on the WebCringe workout shot: A visual double entendre for the swinging singles aerobics club involving a pin that runs up and down through a stack of weights during reps. Ellen Gamerman, WSJ, 16 June 2022 For Cannon, who added three children to his already full crew of five in 2021, the cocktail was a double entendre. Elise Brisco, USA TODAY, 9 June 2022 There are all sorts of double entendre and subtext. Marc Malkin, Variety, 10 Mar. 2022 The creator Adam Goldman’s script is filled with sharp dialogue and enough double entendre to keep you giggling minutes after the jokes land. Eric Mcquade, The Atlantic, 27 Dec. 2021 There Were True Meme-able Moments Viktor & Rolf, masters of the couture double entendre, built an entire show as a meditation on not just the brocade and bejeweled trappings, but the actual meaning of royalty (kind of a hot button topic these days).New York Times, 10 July 2021 The bar's party atmosphere and drinks menu ripe with double entendre are hard to miss. Tirion Morris, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2021 The sybaritic Bond was an ace with women, a master of intricate weaponry and the double entendre, a cultured vinophile (who preferred martinis — shaken, not stirred) and a violent thug who wore bespoke tuxedos.Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2020 Not content with a mere double entendre, Elon Musk hits at least three. Spencer Jakab, WSJ, 7 July 2020 See More