What is a double entendre?

A double entendre is a figure of speech in which a phrase or sentence is deliberately constructed to have two meanings, one of which is usually risqué or suggestive. It's a type of <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/pun">pun</a> that relies on the ambiguity of a word or phrase for humorous or rhetorical effect.

Key characteristics include:

• Ambiguity: The phrase must be open to at least two distinct interpretations. One is often innocent or straightforward, while the other is more suggestive or inappropriate.
• Intentionality: Double entendres are typically used deliberately, though sometimes they can be unintentional. The speaker or writer is often aware of both possible meanings.
• Humor or Emphasis: The effect is usually humorous, used to create a witty or provocative statement. It can also be used to emphasize a point in a subtle way.

Double entendres are commonly used in <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/comedy">comedy</a>, literature, and advertising. They are often used to circumvent <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/censorship">censorship</a> or social taboos by conveying a risqué meaning while maintaining plausible deniability. The effectiveness of a double entendre often depends on the audience's awareness and understanding of the alternative meaning.