Have you read somewhere “pun intended” or “no pun intended” on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook? They are slang terms related to double meanings which can be used either knowingly or unknowingly. This article will explain what pun intended means with its usage examples.
What Does Pun Intended Mean
Pun and intended are two different terms in which pun refers to a joke that has other meanings, while intended is self-explanatory as it indicates something that is done purposely. When both words are used collectively, it means that someone has made a double meanings joke purposefully to achieve a certain result or goal.
For example, if someone says “I once worked as a banker but I lost interest.” In this sentence, the “interest” has two meanings:
- One refers to curiosity.
- Other relates to the money that banks charge on loans.
What Does No Pun Intended Mean
No pun intended means that someone has accidentally played a joke that can be conceived in multiple senses. For example, if someone says “I am a doctor, but because of you, I am losing my patience.” This statement conveys two senses:
- The doctor is talking about patients.
- The doctor is referring to patience, which relates to calmness.
Examples
A few use cases show how pun intended and no pun intended slang is used in daily life conversations.
Example 1
Sophie: Don’t think about that so much, that was no pun intended.
Gustavo: Alright, as you say.
Example 2
Dawson: When I fractured my arm, I faced quite a challenge. It was truly painful—no pun intended.
Clara: Ouch! That sounds rough but I get what you mean 😃.
Example 3
Camille: I haven not proposed to you; that was just a pun intended.
Veronica: Are you sure? I didn’t get that.
Difference Between Pun Intended and No Pun Intended
The main difference between pun and no pun intended is the purpose in which it is used and the tone.
| Aspect | Pun Intended | No Pun Intended |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Indicates that a pun was made on purpose. | Clarifies that any pun or double meaning was accidental. |
| Tone | Often adds humor and cleverness to the conversation. | Can indicate seriousness or a straightforward tone. |
| Context | Used in light-hearted or playful contexts. | Used when the speaker wants to avoid humor or misinterpretation. |
