wordplay

Wordplay is a linguistic technique that uses clever or playful manipulation of language to create humor, emphasis, or double meanings. It often involves puns, which are jokes based on words that sound alike or have multiple meanings, or other forms such as riddles and witty phrasing. Wordplay engages the reader or listener by highlighting unexpected connections or nuances in language, encouraging a deeper appreciation of words' versatility. It’s a common literary and conversational device used to entertain, make messages memorable, or add layers of meaning through creative use of vocabulary and syntax.