pun
noun & verb

- a humorous use of a word or phrase which has several meanings or which sounds like another word

(Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary)

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The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. The word is probably a short form of pundigron, which is perhaps a humorous alteration of the Italian puntiglio "equivocation, trivial objection."

The best way to explain a pun is to provide a few examples. But be warned: some puns are so bad they make you want to cry "ouch!"

- I'm reading a book about anti-gravity. It's impossible to put down.

- I wanted to look for my watch that I misplaced, but I couldn't find the time.

- Old German students never die; they just go from Bad to Wurst.

- I used to be a banker until I lost interest.

- Did you hear about the electrician who drives a volts wagon?

- I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn't find any.

- Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says "I've lost my electron," The other says, "Are you sure?" The first replies "Yes, I'm positive."

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SYNONYMS

play on words, double entendre, quip

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Use a pun in a conversation today:

"Pardon the PUN, but I'm really tired of having insomnia."