Wordplay

/ˈwɜrdpleɪ/ noun

Definition

Clever and humorous use of words, including puns, double meanings, and other tricks with language to create jokes or wit.

Etymology

From 'word' and 'play' (to engage in), creating a compound meaning 'playing with words.' Became a common term in English during the 19th century for witty language games.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare was obsessed with wordplay—he made puns constantly, including dirty jokes hidden in his sonnets that most people reading them in school have no idea about!

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