Play on words Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈwɝdz
PLAY-on-wurdz
plˈeɪ/ /ˈɒn/ /wˈɜːdz
PLAY-on-wudz
Definition
A clever use of words with double meanings, or words that sound similar, to create a joke or funny expression.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in jokes or puns; common in word games, advertising, and witty conversation. Only works when the listener understands both meanings. Not the same as a simple joke—'play on words' must involve language or sound similarities.
Spanish: juego de palabrasPortuguese (BR): trocadilhoPortuguese (PT): trocadilhoChinese (Simplified): 双关语Chinese (Traditional): 雙關語Hindi: शब्दों का खेलArabic: لعبة كلماتBengali: শব্দের খেল - শব্দের jeuRussian: игра словJapanese: 言葉遊びVietnamese: chơi chữKorean: 말장난Turkish: kelime oyunuUrdu: الفاظ کا کھیل - لفظوں کی چالIndonesian: permainan kata - permainan kata-kata
Example Sentences
He made a play on words about the baseball game.
basic
The joke is a clever play on words.
basic
Can you understand this play on words?
basic
That sign uses a play on words to make people laugh.
natural
He loves making puns and clever plays on words at parties.
natural
The title of the book is actually a smart play on words.
natural