A paronomasia is a figure of speech that involves a play on words or a pun. It typically occurs when words with similar sounds but different meanings are used in a clever or humorous way.
Here are two examples of paronomasia:
- “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” In this example, the word “flies” is used with two different meanings. The phrase “time flies” means that time passes quickly, while “fruit flies” refers to small insects. The pun lies in the similarity of sounds between “flies” and “like a banana.”
- “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.” In this sentence, the word “dough” is used with a double meaning. On one hand, it refers to the substance used in baking bread, and on the other hand, it’s a colloquial term for money. The pun is created by the play on the word “dough” to convey the idea of both baking and financial success.
If you had heard of “paronomasia” before reading this definition, please type “yes” in the comments.
Never heard the term before. I know many people afflicted by this condition. The good gnus is that it’s not fatal. The bad gnus is there’s no cure.
What you are referring to is the word Paronomasia.
NO, I never heard of that word and it’s now one of the few six syllable words I know.
Learn something every day…now, as soon as I make this right turn, I’ll be going the right way.
I love a good play on words! “Jeux de mots” in French.
Never heard of the term. It’s an interesting device to use in writing.