Double Entendre: A Literary Device

Etymology of Double Entendre

The term “double entendre” originates from the French language, where it literally means “double meaning.” It is a compound of “double,” meaning two, and “entendre,” meaning to understand or mean.

This term has its roots in Old French, where “entendre à deux sens” conveyed the idea of a word or phrase having two distinct interpretations or implications. It leads to its modern usage to describe a statement or expression with a dual or ambiguous meaning.

Meanings of Double Entendre

Meaning	Explanation
Ambiguous Language	A phrase or expression with multiple interpretations, often one of which is risqué or humorous.
Sexual Innuendo	A form of double entendre that implies sexual meanings in a seemingly innocent phrase.
Wordplay	Clever manipulation of language to create a double meaning or humorous effect.
Literary Device	A technique used in literature and humor to add depth and complexity to language.
Comedic Effect	Frequently used in comedy to create humor through the unexpected twist in meaning.
Subtle Humor	A form of humor that relies on the audience recognizing the dual meanings of a phrase.
Cultural Context	The interpretation of a double entendre often depends on the cultural and social context.
Artistic Expression	Employed by writers, poets, and artists to engage the audience’s imagination and wit.
Provocative Communication	Can be used to provoke thought, laughter, or even discomfort through its dual meanings.
Versatile Language Tool	A linguistic device with a wide range of applications in various forms of communication.

Double Entendre in Grammar

1. Singular Noun Usage:

• “Double entendre” is treated as a singular noun in English.

2. Singular Verb:

• It takes a singular verb when used in a sentence.

3. One Unit:

• Despite having multiple possible meanings, it is considered as one unit.

4. Example:

• For instance, “That joke has a great double entendre” is the correct form.

Definition of Double Entendre

A double entendre, a literary device, deliberately conveys two meanings, one explicit and the other subtle or suggestive. This wordplay technique is commonly used in literature, including poetry, novels, and plays, for humorous or ironic effects. Skillful use of double entendres can enhance literary works, adding depth, complexity, and a touch of intrigue for readers.

Types of Double Entendres

Type	Explanation	Example
Homophonic Double Entendre	Based on words that sound the same but have different meanings.	“I can’t bear to bear it.”
Homographic Double Entendre	Based on words that are spelled the same but have different meanings.	“She’s a light weight.”
Double Entendre as Pun	Relies on a play on words with two different meanings, often for comedic effect.	“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
Sexual Double Entendre	Utilizes words or phrases with both innocent and suggestive or sexual meanings.	“That’s a juicy peach you’ve got there.”
Social Double Entendre	Draws upon cultural or social norms to convey a message or make a statement.	“He’s a real ‘player’ in the corporate world.”
Visual Double Entendre	Uses images or visual representations with multiple meanings, often in art and advertising.	An image of a young woman with both a microscope and a cocktail, symbolizing a balance between work and play.

These examples illustrate various types of double entendres, showcasing their different linguistic and contextual characteristics.

Common Examples of Double Entendres

There are many common examples of double entendres, some of which include:

1. “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.”
2. “I’m on a whiskey diet. I’ve lost three days already.”
3. “I’m a multitasker. I can listen, ignore, and forget all at the same time.”
4. “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.”
5. “I like my women like I like my coffee, hot and strong.”
6. “Why was the math book sad? Because it had too many problems.”
7. “I used to play piano by ear. Now I use my hands.”
8. “I’m trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but it’s really hard to find good players.”

These examples showcase different types of double entendres, from puns to sexual innuendos, and demonstrate how they can be used for comedic effect or to add depth and complexity to language.

Examples of Double Entendres in Literature

Example	Explanation
– In Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet,” the character Mercutio says: “If love be rough with you, be rough with love; / Prick love for pricking, and you beat love down” (Act 1, Scene 4).	Mercutio’s dialogue contains a double entendre. He advises confronting love when it causes pain, while also employing “prick” as a sexual innuendo. This adds humor and tension, showcasing how language can hold both literal and suggestive meanings.
– In Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the character Algernon says: “I really don’t see anything romantic in proposing…But there is nothing romantic about a definite proposal” (Act 1).	Algernon’s statement employs a double entendre. He suggests marriage proposals lack romance, but also critiques societal expectations on proposals. This showcases how language can critique norms while simultaneously conveying a humorous twist.
– In the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, the narrator Humbert Humbert says: “You can always count on a murderer for a fancy prose style” (Chapter 2).	Humbert’s phrase serves as a double entendre. He claims murderers possess sophisticated writing skills, but also implies a connection between creativity and darkness. This adds complexity, emphasizing how language can convey both literal and metaphorical implications.

These examples underscore how double entendres enhance literature by infusing multiple layers of meaning, humor, and societal commentary into the narrative.

Suggested Readings

1. Frye, Northrop. The Critical Path: An Essay on the Social Context of Literary Criticism. Indiana University Press, 1971.
2. Hutcheon, Linda. A Theory of Parody: The Teachings of Twentieth-Century Art Forms. University of Illinois Press, 2000.
3. Kernan, Alvin B. The Playwright as Double-Dealer: Shakespeare and the Uses of Language. “The Shakespearean Imagination: Studies in Honor of H. S. Wilson,” edited by John Arthos, University of Illinois Press, 1985, pp. 117-136.
4. Thomas, Brook. The Art of the Actor: The Essential History of Acting, from Classical Times to the Present Day. Methuen Drama, 2010.