How to Create a Pun

A panoramic play of words... a twist of wits, lips and tongues, a pun is a linguistic tool that adds dollops of humor, a pinch of wit and a twang of spontaneity to get the feat right. We have read puns, and we have heard people punning. Therefore, what is a pun, after all? A pun is a juggle of words that (may) sound similar; however, they are diverse in significance, and importance. Now, this by no means, means that a pun does not share a meaningful crux. The words, or phrases, used in one context do carry a connotation. A pun is a play of words, yet it is also a play of intent and content. What you utter has two sects of import. They both have meaning to deliver, and have their own respective worth. Well, when someone pun's, we share a cry of laughter and have cheekiness in the cheek! The fun in words is elicited by a factor, called homonyms. Through this article, you would know how to create a pun.

The history of English literature, holds testimony to the fact, that puns have been a popular medium to evoke appreciation in the minds of readers, and audiences. Puns have been used by the Shakespearean epoch, where chaste comedies, tragedies, and rom-coms have had their share of fame, duly accredited. The use of this literary tool in Romeo and Juliet, a play that delves on human eccentricities, and the theme of star-crossed lovers, has been sumptuous in nature. A well-known example of a pun, from Romeo and Juliet, could be treated for analysis. It is when Mercutio, bleeding to death, utters:

"Ask for me tomorrow and you will find me a grave man."

Mercutio is dying, and he utters the word 'grave'; which has two connotations. The first associated with his death, and that he will be buried and found in the grave. The flip side of the word is meant to connote a serious and critical demeanor, endured by the character.

Oscar Wilde in his comedy has a pun posted right in the title. The "Importance of Being Earnest"; is a title that puns on the word 'Earnest'. The principal character is named Earnest, and the plot, or the mis-en-scene of the play, revolves around a rom-com paradoxical pun, where being earnest, is sincerely not what the play, in entirety, suggests. John Donne, a poet with a melancholic, yet witty streak in his tone, has punned on his own name in the entire poem, 'Hymn to God the Father'. The journalists managed an ironical stance when John Donne divorced his wife Ann Donne. The papers read as:

"John Donne, Ann Donne, Undone."

Pun - Points to Ponder
Here are some guidelines that you must be cognizant of, when you make a pun. A pun is what you make of it. Make sure that you don't pay the price for making a pun! (pun absolutely intended!)

• Look for an appropriate situation; do not crack a pun when you sense a sensitive situation. You may find that the condition is blown out of proportion, and there is a cost of regret you pay! Besides, you don't want to be deemed a Schadenfreude, do you?
• If you possess an amorous desire to roll up, and keep stacking words in your gray sleeves, playing with words and expressions may not seem to be a grand feat! Euphonic words, play up to the jocularity of the situation.
• Make use of phrases and words that have multiple meanings, such as, deck, grave, cash, check. However, you may also interchange words that sound the same, but diverse in meaning. For instance, the word 'right' and 'write' can be switched. You may come up with the likes of a lot of these, yourself. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
• Be witty and creative! Keep making puns when you find the situation is by your side. Do not regret what has flowed out, through the tunnels of your mouth. Be very confident, and do not make yourself feel worn out. However, handle every situation at hand with care.
• Make sure that the company you are in, understands a positive and healthy sense of humor. Well, if they do not, let the ball roll away and cease trying to putt where bargaining for a goal, may be asking for a tad too much.
• Handle yourself well. Don't go overboard and make a trail of puns. It may get boring and no one may end up sharing a laugh with you.

Well, with these guidelines, you are now, all equipped, and know how to create a pun. You may perhaps get strikingly shocked with the way things move from then on!