How to Make a Pun

Make a play on words by using words that sound similar or are spelled the same but have different meanings. A witty pun that humorous can entertain an audience, but it takes practice. Puns shouldn't be taken seriously, so get silly and just do it for the pun of it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Put a homophonic pun together by using words that sound the same but are spelled differently like genes and jeans.

2. Listen closely when your friends are talking. Find a play on words that you can use to construct your pun. Keep it in the context of the conversation.

3. Make a homographic pun by making a play on words that are spelled the same but have different meanings like a pen you write with or a pen for animals. Look through a reference book of synonyms for inspiration.

4. Keep it meaningful and primarily conversational. Choose words that fall within a range of common communication. If your audience won't understand the pun, there's no use delivering it. Stick with references that are relevant to your listeners.

5. Think on your feet. A pun is delivered quickly, and typically at the spur of the moment. That's what makes people appreciate it.

Tips & Warnings

• Study the dictionary and practice making puns with words or study puns by other people (see Resources below).
• If you have to think about a pun before you deliver it, chances are you'll hear groans instead of laughter.
• Find the right occasion for a pun. A pun is supposed to be funny, so a somber moment or conversation is usually not the best time to throw one out there.

Resources

• Pun of the Day