A recent headline about Taylor Swift highlights the enduring power of the double entendre, a form of wordplay that relies on a secondary, often risqué, meaning to create humor and grab attention.
October 6, 2025
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Literary Devices
The Art of the Double Meaning
A recent headline concerning Taylor Swift and her mother’s interpretation of a song’s lyrics served as a masterclass in wordplay. The headline, "Sometimes a double entendre is not that hard to figure out," perfectly illustrates the device it discusses.
This phrasing cleverly uses innuendo—"not that hard"—to hint at a suggestive meaning while maintaining a perfectly innocent surface interpretation.
What is a Double Entendre?
A double entendre is a figure of speech that contains two different meanings. The first meaning is literal and straightforward. The second is typically implied, often carrying a risqué, suggestive, or ironic tone. According to experts at Merriam-Webster, the effectiveness of the device lies in this ambiguity.
Literal Meaning: The obvious, surface-level interpretation.
Implied Meaning: A secondary, often taboo or humorous, connotation.
This linguistic tool allows for witty commentary on subjects that might otherwise be considered inappropriate for direct discussion.
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Source:
YourDictionary
A Tool for Media and Literature
The use of double entendre is not new; it is a staple in various forms of media, from news headlines to classic literature. Its primary function is to engage and entertain an audience by adding layers of meaning.
Widespread Use
Media outlets often employ this device in headlines to create buzz and attract readers. The ambiguity sparks curiosity, encouraging people to read the full story. Beyond journalism, its presence is notable in several areas:
Literature: William Shakespeare was a master of the double entendre, filling his plays with witty and often bawdy wordplay for the amusement of his audience.
Comedy: Stand-up comedians and comedy writers frequently rely on double entendres to deliver jokes that are subtle yet impactful.
Film and Television: Many children's films, like Disney's 'Finding Nemo', famously include jokes with a double meaning intended for the adults in the audience. The line "Think dirty thoughts!" has both a literal and a suggestive connotation.
This technique allows creators to communicate on multiple levels simultaneously.
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Source:
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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