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Glossary

Pun: GCSE English Definition

Deb Orrock

Written by: Deb Orrock

Reviewed by: Nick Redgrove

Last updated

Contents

  1. 1. What is a pun?
  2. 2. Why do writers use puns?
  3. 3. Example of a pun
  4. 4. Revision resources to ace your exams

What is a pun?

In GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language, a pun is a humorous play on words that exploits multiple meanings or similar sounds. Puns can make writing more engaging and can be found in both written texts and in everyday speech.

Why do writers use puns?

Writers use puns to add humour, irony or deeper meaning to their writing. Puns make language more engaging and playful. They can also be used to convey the wit and cleverness of a character, to add layers of meaning, to create irony or to emphasise key themes.

Example of a pun

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Mercutio's dying words are a pun:

"Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man"

Here, the pun is on the word "grave", meaning both serious and a burial place. Mercutio jokes about his own death, showing his wit even in his final moments.

Revision resources to ace your exams

Learn how to explore a writer's use of puns, and how to use them in your own creative writing, by using our detailed GCSE revision notes.

GCSE English Literature Revision Notes

GCSE English Language Revision Notes

For more literary techniques, check out our list of 127 top literary devices, complete with student-friendly definitions.

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Author
Reviewer
Deb Orrock

Author: Deb Orrock

Expertise: English Content Creator

Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

Nick Redgrove

Author: Nick Redgrove

Expertise: English Senior Content Creator

Nick is a graduate of the University of Cambridge and King’s College London. He started his career in journalism and publishing, working as an editor on a political magazine and a number of books, before training as an English teacher. After nearly 10 years working in London schools, where he held leadership positions in English departments and within a Sixth Form, he moved on to become an examiner and education consultant. With more than a decade of experience as a tutor, Nick specialises in English, but has also taught Politics, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies.

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