double entendre
double entendre (pun)
/ˌduː.bəl ɑːnˈtɑːndrə/
Meaning
- Double meaning; hidden meaning or double sense.
- A phrase or expression that is deliberately open to two interpretations, where one is typically risqué, bawdy, or indecent in nature.
- Language crafted to suggest a hidden or secondary meaning alongside the obvious one, often for humorous or provocative effect.
- A clever use of words in which a sentence or phrase can be taken in two ways, with one being innocent and the other often sexually suggestive.
- Communication that carries a surface meaning and a concealed, often humorous or inappropriate undertone, designed to amuse or provoke thought.
Example Sentences
- The comedian’s joke was full of double entendre, making the audience laugh for more than one reason.
- Her comment about the “firm bananas” was clearly a double entendre that made everyone at the table giggle.
- That advertisement used a clever double entendre to catch attention without crossing the line.
- Shakespeare often used double entendre in his plays to entertain both commoners and nobility.
- His toast at the wedding included a subtle double entendre that only a few guests caught.
Origin and History
The term “double entendre” originates from French, combining double (meaning “double”) and entendre (meaning “to hear” or “to understand”). Interestingly, the phrase double entendre is not standard in modern French; instead, expressions like double sens or double entente are used to convey the idea of a double meaning. The English adoption of “double entendre” reflects a historical fascination with French expressions, especially those perceived as sophisticated or risqué.
Introduction into the English Language
The earliest recorded use of “double entendre” in English dates back to the 1670s. Notably, the English playwright John Dryden employed the term in his 1673 comic play Marriage à la Mode, listing it among other French terms to evoke a sense of wit and sophistication:
“Foible, Chagrin, Grimace, Embarrasse, Double entendre, Equivoque.”
This usage underscores the English penchant for borrowing French phrases to add a layer of elegance or subtlety, particularly in the realm of humor and innuendo.
Literary Precedents and Early Examples
Long before the term “double entendre” was coined, the literary device it describes was prevalent in literature. One of the earliest examples can be found in the 10th-century Exeter Book, a collection of Old English poetry and riddles. Riddle 25 from this compilation is particularly notable for its layered meanings, suggesting both an innocent and a risqué interpretation.
Similarly, Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century The Canterbury Tales is replete with double meanings. The “Wife of Bath’s Tale,” for instance, employs language that can be interpreted in both domestic and sexual contexts, reflecting the nuanced use of language to convey multiple layers of meaning.
Cultural Adoption and Evolution
The use of double entendre became a hallmark of English humor, particularly in the works of William Shakespeare. His plays often contain lines that, while seemingly innocuous, carry underlying sexual connotations. This tradition continued into the Victorian era and beyond, with British comedy frequently employing double entendres to circumvent censorship and societal norms.
In modern times, double entendres remain a staple in various forms of entertainment, from literature and theater to television and film. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to engage audiences through wit and the playful manipulation of language.
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