What is a pun?

A pun is defined as a phrase that exploits the different meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings, often resulting in a witty or clever expression. The essence of a pun lies in its ability to convey a playful twist on language, making it humorous or thought-provoking. A great example would be a statement like, "Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana," which utilizes similar-sounding words to create a playful double meaning.

Typically, puns are not related to alliteration, which focuses on the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, nor are they synonymous with metaphor, which involves comparisons between unrelated things without using "like" or "as." Additionally, while puns can occasionally include rhyme, they do not fall under the category of rhyme itself, which specifically pertains to the correspondence of sounds at the end of words. Therefore, recognizing a pun as a witty phrase that suggests an alternative meaning is crucial for a deeper understanding of language and humor.