- Definition and Purpose
- Wordplay is clever and witty use of words and meanings
- Uses literary devices like puns, spelling, and rhyme for humor
- Makes language unique and interesting across all ages
- Key Techniques
- Acronyms use parts of words like "froyo" instead of "frozen yogurt"
- Alliteration repeats first consonant sounds in words
- Assonance matches vowel sounds, consonance matches consonant sounds
- Double entendre uses words with multiple meanings
- Idioms are culturally understood phrases with figurative meanings
- Malapropism uses incorrect word for similar-sounding ones
- Onomatopoeia imitates sounds like "boom" or "click"
- Puns combine multiple meanings and similar sounds
- Rhyming creates catchy rhythm in poetry and children's literature
- Slang uses casual language with wordplay elements
- Notable Examples
- Dr. Seuss creates unique words like "Zans" for "cans"
- Shakespeare uses puns in Romeo and Juliet
- Modern Family features Gloria's mispronunciations
- iZOMBIE uses puns in chapter titles
- Winnie the Pooh confuses word sounds with meanings