A puzzle which incorporates a form of wordplay, such as puns, or which requires wordplay in order to find the solution.
Wordplay is a form of wit in which the used words become the main subject of the work, primarily for the purpose of intended effect or amusement.
Examples of word play include:
- puns
A pun is a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.
Examples:
- The duck said to the bartender, "Put it on my bill."
Playing on the word 'bill' referring to both (i) a check/tab used to keep track of money owed at a bar, and (ii) the beak of a bird.- What did the cupcake say to the frosting? "I'd be muffin without you!"
Playing on the similar sounds of the words 'muffin' and 'nothing', and how a cupcake without frosting is similar to a muffin.
- phonetic mix-ups (such as spoonerisms)
A spoonerism is a term used to describe a phrase where the beginning letters or sounds of two words in a phrase have been swapped, typically for humorous effect.
Example:
- A well-boiled icicle (instead of a 'well-oiled bicycle').
- obscure words and meanings
- clever rhetorical excursions
- oddly formed sentences
- double entendres
A double entendre is a word or phrase that is open to two interpretations.
Example:
- That guy looks hot!
Playing on the two possible interpretations of 'hot' (i) in terms of temperature, and (ii) as slang for being physically attractive.
