Double entendre

Definition

A double entendre is a figure of speech that has two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or humorous. This clever use of language allows writers and comedians to add layers of meaning to dialogue, enabling them to balance humor with commentary, often addressing social issues or cultural norms while still keeping the audience entertained.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Double entendres are frequently used in comedy to provide humor while also engaging with deeper themes or social commentary.
2. This technique allows writers to address sensitive topics without being overtly explicit, making it easier for audiences to digest complex issues.
3. The effectiveness of a double entendre often relies on timing and delivery, as well as the audience's familiarity with cultural references.
4. Many classic sitcoms and animated shows utilize double entendres to appeal to both younger viewers and adults, creating a shared viewing experience.
5. In comedy routines, double entendres can lead to laughter not just from the punchline but also from the realization of the dual meanings at play.

Review Questions

• How do double entendres enhance comedic writing and contribute to the depth of humor in television comedies?
  • Double entendres enhance comedic writing by allowing for multiple layers of meaning within a single line, making jokes more clever and engaging. This technique invites audiences to think critically about the content, creating a richer experience. By balancing humor with deeper social commentary, writers can address serious topics in a light-hearted manner without losing the essence of comedy.
• Analyze how double entendres can serve as a tool for satire in television comedies. Can you provide examples?
  • Double entendres serve as powerful tools for satire by enabling writers to critique societal norms and issues through humor. For example, shows like 'The Office' often use double entendres in character dialogue to comment on workplace culture and relationships. The dual meanings highlight absurdities and draw attention to underlying problems while still eliciting laughter from the audience.
• Evaluate the role of double entendres in balancing humor and commentary within popular television comedies. How does this balance affect audience reception?
  • Double entendres play a critical role in balancing humor and commentary by providing a clever way to address complex issues without alienating viewers. This balance affects audience reception positively, as it allows for engagement with topical subjects while maintaining entertainment value. When audiences recognize the dual meanings in jokes, it fosters a sense of connection and understanding, making them more likely to appreciate both the humor and the underlying message.

Related terms

Wordplay: A literary technique that involves manipulating language for humorous or rhetorical effect, often through puns or clever phrasing.

Satire: A genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms, politics, or other subjects.

Innuendo: An indirect or subtle reference, often of a suggestive or disparaging nature, that relies on the audience's understanding to grasp the underlying meaning.