Edit page | Page history | Printable version

pun

A play on words which have the same sound but different meanings; an expression in which two different applications of a word present an odd or ludicrous idea; a kind of quibble or equivocation. A better put on this word was made on the Beggar's opera, which, it was said, made gay rich, and Rich gay. (Walpole)

Origin: Cf. Pun to pound, Pound to beat.