Double entendre

Definition

A double entendre is a figure of speech or a phrase that has two meanings, typically one of which is straightforward and the other is more suggestive or risqué. This clever play on words can serve as a tool for humor or subtlety, especially in contexts where direct expression may face restrictions or censorship. It allows creators to convey deeper messages while navigating the limitations imposed by social and legal standards.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Double entendres were commonly used in classic cinema to bypass strict censorship laws, allowing filmmakers to include adult themes in a more subtle way.
2. This technique can create a sense of sophistication in dialogue, as audiences appreciate the cleverness behind layered meanings.
3. Double entendres often rely on cultural references and shared knowledge between the speaker and audience to convey their hidden meanings.
4. The use of double entendre can lead to rich interpretations, making films more engaging and thought-provoking for viewers.
5. Filmmakers frequently use double entendre in genres like comedy and romance, where innuendo can heighten the entertainment value without explicit content.

Review Questions

• How does the use of double entendre in films allow creators to communicate themes that might otherwise be censored?
  • Double entendre allows filmmakers to express complex themes by embedding multiple meanings within dialogue or scenes. This approach enables them to address mature subjects while adhering to censorship guidelines. For instance, a seemingly innocent line can carry a hidden implication that resonates with viewers familiar with its double meaning, thus circumventing direct censorship while still engaging the audience.
• Discuss how double entendre can enrich the viewing experience of classic cinema from the era of strict censorship.
  • In classic cinema, where censorship was pervasive, double entendre added layers of depth and humor to films. Audiences who recognized these clever phrases could enjoy a more interactive viewing experience, as they deciphered the hidden meanings behind seemingly innocent dialogue. This not only made the films more enjoyable but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among viewers who appreciated the filmmakers' ingenuity in navigating restrictive norms.
• Evaluate the impact of double entendre on the portrayal of gender and sexuality in early American cinema, considering both its limitations and innovations.
  • Double entendre significantly shaped the portrayal of gender and sexuality in early American cinema by allowing filmmakers to introduce themes of desire and attraction while avoiding direct confrontation with censorship. This technique created space for innovative storytelling that played with societal norms around sex and relationships. However, it also had its limitations, as it often relegated deeper explorations of these themes to innuendos rather than explicit narratives. Thus, while double entendre provided creative avenues for expression, it simultaneously reinforced certain stereotypes and clichés about gender roles and sexual dynamics.

Related terms

Subtext:

The underlying or implicit meaning in dialogue or narrative that goes beyond the literal interpretation.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable by authorities.

Euphemism: A mild or indirect word or expression used to replace one considered to be too harsh or blunt, often used to address sensitive topics.