PhrasesHub

Double entendre

    Definitions

      • comedic play on words
        A phrase or expression that has two interpretations, one usually being innocent or straightforward and the other being risqué or suggestive, often used for humorous effect

      • intentional ambiguity
        A statement or remark that is deliberately vague or unclear, with the intention of causing confusion or creating multiple possible interpretations

      • sexual innuendo
        A phrase or remark that has a hidden or implied sexual meaning, often used in a playful or teasing manner

    Examples of Double entendre

    • She was a real knockout.

      In this example, the speaker means the woman is physically attractive, but the phrase "real knockout" can also be slang for a powerful punch.

    • They really hit the nail on the head.

      Here, the speaker means they came up with the perfect solution, but "hit the nail on the head" is also a phrase that refers to guessing correctly or achieving a goal exactly.

    • I've had a lot of sleepless nights since you left.

      While the speaker is implying that they have been struggling to sleep since the other person left, "sleepless nights" can also mean prolonged periods of anxiety or distress.

    • I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

      This phrase, which means the speaker is sick, can also be used to explain why someone is acting moody or distant.

    • The new store has a lot of nuts and bolts for sale.

      This could refer to actual nuts and bolts that are sold at the new store. However, "nuts" is also slang for men who are sexually aroused, so there's a hint of sexual innuendo to the statement. "Bolts" could refer to men who are less sexually aroused. Therefore, this idiom suggests that the new store sells a variety of men.

    • The movie's plot was really thick.

      This could mean that the plot of the movie was complex and difficult to understand. However, "thick" can also mean "full-figured," so there's a sexual innuendo to this statement as well. Perhaps the plot of the movie was full-figured, meaning it had a lot of meat and substance to it.

    • In order to prove his innocence, the detective was ready to take one for the team.

      This means that the detective was willing to take the blame for a crime that someone else committed in order to clear their name. "Take one for the team" can also have a sexual connotation, though. In this context, it might mean that the detective was willing to have sex with someone else in order to clear their name. This interpretation is less plausible, but it's a possibility.

    • The new movie has some great cleavage.

      This could mean that the movie has some great visual elements, such as deep necklines worn by actresses that show off their cleavage. However, "cleavage" is also slang for a woman's breasts, so this statement could also be interpreted as a sexual innuendo. The speaker may be suggesting that the movie is full of beautiful women with large breasts.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "double entendre" has several meanings, all related to language and humor. Its most common use is to refer to a phrase or expression that has two interpretations, one being innocent or straightforward and the other being risqué or suggestive. This can be used for comedic effect or to add a playful twist to a conversation.

    Another meaning of "double entendre" is intentional ambiguity. In this sense, the idiom refers to a statement or remark that is deliberately vague or unclear, with the intention of causing confusion or creating multiple possible interpretations. This can be used in a variety of situations, from playful banter to more serious discussions.

    Finally, "double entendre" can also refer to sexual innuendo. In this context, the idiom is used to describe a phrase or remark that has a hidden or implied sexual meaning. This is often used in a flirtatious or teasing manner, and can add a playful and suggestive tone to a conversation.

    Origin of "Double entendre"

    The term "double entendre" comes from French, where it literally translates to "double meaning." It was first used in English in the 1670s, and was originally associated with witty and clever wordplay. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the term became more closely associated with sexual innuendo and risqué humor.

    The use of double entendres can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman literature, where they were often used in plays and poetry for comedic effect. In Shakespeare's works, double entendres were used to add humor and wit to his characters' dialogue.

    Today, the term "double entendre" is still commonly used in both literature and everyday language, and continues to be a popular tool for adding humor and cleverness to conversations. However, it is important to use this idiom carefully and appropriately, as it can also be seen as offensive or inappropriate in certain contexts.