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wordplay

[/ˈwɜːrdpleɪ/]
nounpl: wordplays
jogo de palavras
1. The witty use of words or phrases in a way that exploits multiple meanings or similar-sounding words for humorous or rhetorical effect
The comedian's routine was full of clever wordplay that had the audience laughing.
O roteiro do comediante estava cheio de jogos de palavras inteligentes que fizeram a plateia rir.
2. A pun or play on words used in writing or speech
Shakespeare was famous for his wordplay in his sonnets and plays.
Shakespeare era famoso por seus jogos de palavras em seus sonetos e peças.
Synonyms
punplay on wordswitdouble entendrepunnery

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
jogo de palavras
Most common term used in Brazil
Brazil
trocadilho
Alternative term, often used for simpler puns
Portugal
jogo de palavras
Standard term used in Portugal
Portugal
trocista
Alternative or complementary term

Related Idioms & Phrases

a play on words
linguistic humor
double meaning
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