Transcription
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [puhn]
- /pʌn/
-
- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [puhn]
- /pʌn/
Definitions of punning word
- noun punning the humorous use of a word or phrase so as to emphasize or suggest its different meanings or applications, or the use of words that are alike or nearly alike in sound but different in meaning; a play on words. 1
- noun punning the word or phrase used in this way. 1
- verb without object punning to make puns. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of punning
First appearance:
before 1655 One of the 46% oldest English words
1655-65; perhaps special use of pun, variant (now dial.) of pound1, i.e., to mistreat (words)
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Punning
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
punning popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 89% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
According to our data about 74% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.
punning usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for punning
adj punning
adjective punning
- capering — to leap or skip about in a sprightly manner; prance; frisk; gambol.
- joshing — good-natured banter.
- kidding — Informal. a child or young person.
- wisecracking — a smart or facetious remark.
verb punning
noun punning
- wordplay — clever or subtle repartee; verbal wit.
See also
Matching words
- Words starting with p
- Words starting with pu
- Words starting with pun
- Words starting with punn
- Words starting with punni
- Words starting with punnin
- Words starting with punning