doub'e entendre

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A phrase or expression that has two meanings, one of which is usually indecent or suggestive. The term comes from French, literally meaning "double meaning." It refers to a deliberate ambiguity in language, where the innocent interpretation is often overshadowed by a risqué or humorous second meaning.
Usage Examples
  • (The speech contained phrases with both a literal and a suggestive meaning.)
  • (She refrained from ambiguous, potentially offensive wordplay.)
  • (The joke had a surface meaning about sports and a covert indecent meaning.)
Advanced Usage

  • "to drop a double entendre": to intentionally use a phrase with a double meaning, often for humour or flirtation.

    • He dropped a double entendre about her "long, hard day," which made her blush. (He used a phrase that could refer to work or to something sexual.)

  • "a crude double entendre": a double entendre that is overtly sexual or offensive.

    • The movie relied on crude double entendres for cheap laughs. (The film used vulgar ambiguous phrases.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Double meaning (n): a phrase or word with two interpretations, not necessarily indecent.
    • The word "light" can have a double meaning: not heavy, or not dark. (Two distinct literal meanings.)
  • Innuendo (n): an indirect or subtle suggestion, usually of a negative or sexual nature. (Often overlaps with double entendre but is less direct.)
    • She made an innuendo about his late arrival. (A hint implying something improper.)
Synonyms
  • Ambiguity: the quality of being open to more than one interpretation.
  • Wordplay: the witty use of words, often involving double meanings.
  • Equivoque: a term for an ambiguous expression, especially one used to deceive.
Phrasal Verbs
  • Play on words: to use words in a clever or humorous way, often involving double meanings.
    • The writer plays on words with the title "The Light of Day." (The title has both literal and metaphorical meanings.)
Related Idioms

  • Have a double edge: to be capable of being understood in two ways, often with one harmful or offensive.

    • His compliment had a double edge, making her feel both praised and insulted. (The remark had both a positive and a negative interpretation.)

  • Read between the lines: to understand a hidden meaning, as in a double entendre.

    • You have to read between the lines to catch the double entendre in his joke. (You must infer the second, indecent meaning.)