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play on words

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play on words

A creative use of words that have multiple meanings, often in a humorous way; a pun. Most people groan when they hear a pun, but a clever play on words can always make me laugh.

See also: on, play, word

play on words

A word or turn of phrase with a double meaning, a pun or other humorous use of language. For example, Shakespeare was a master at plays on words-his dramas are full of puns. [First half of 1700s]

See also: on, play, word