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double meaning

[/ˈdʌbəl ˈmiːnɪŋ/]
nounpl: double meanings
duplo sentido
1. A word, phrase, or expression that can be understood in two different ways, often with one interpretation being humorous, ironic, or suggestive
His comment about her new hairstyle had a double meaning that made everyone laugh.
Seu comentário sobre o novo penteado dela tinha um duplo sentido que fez todos rirem.
2. Ambiguity in language where a statement simultaneously conveys two distinct interpretations
The advertisement used double meaning to appeal to both children and adults.
O anúncio usou duplo sentido para atrair tanto crianças quanto adultos.
Synonyms
ambiguitydouble entendrepunwordplayequivocation
Antonyms
clarityunambiguous statementstraightforwardness

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
duplo sentido
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
duplo sentido / trocadilho
Often used with emphasis on humorous intent
São Paulo
duplo sentido / ambiguidade
May use more formal term ambiguidade in academic contexts
Portugal
duplo sentido / sentido equívoco
Portuguese variant may use sentido equívoco in formal writing

Related Idioms & Phrases

to have a double meaning
to read between the lines
what do you mean by that?
deixa a brincadeira de lado
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