Session #18
18.6 Double Entendre and Wordplay for Speed and Wittiness
Course Objectives
Instructor:
Jerry Corley
Lesson information
🎭 18.6 Double Entendre and Wordplay for Speed and Wittiness
Some of the fastest laughs in comedy come from changing the meaning of a single word or phrase.
In this course, you’ll explore how comedians such as Stewart Francis, Rodney Dangerfield, Milton Jones, and Jimmy Carr use double entendres, literal interpretations, alternate definitions, familiar expressions, and other forms of wordplay to create sharp, economical jokes.
You’ll learn the difference between double entendre and the broader category of wordplay, then practice finding the hidden comic possibilities inside everyday language. Through guided exercises, you’ll reinterpret common sayings, explore industry-specific terminology, collide unrelated meanings, and turn familiar acronyms into original punchlines.
The goal is not simply to write puns. It is to use language more efficiently—creating jokes that feel faster, smarter, and more surprising while still expressing your comedic point of view.
Start a Conversation
This lesson doesn’t have to end when the video does. Use the comment section below to put what you’ve learned into practice and keep the conversation going.
Post your:
Questions — If something isn’t clear, ask. Chances are other students are wondering the same thing.
Homework & Exercises — When the lesson includes an exercise or bonus assignment, post your work below.
Jokes & Premises — Try out what you’ve written using the techniques from this lesson.
Observations & Discoveries — Spot this technique being used by another comedian? Share what you noticed.
Feedback — Feel free to respond to other students’ work. Be constructive and help each other get better.
Don’t just watch the lesson—use it. Comedy writing is a skill, and skills improve through repetition, experimentation, feedback, and practice.
So jump in. Write something. Try something. Ask something!
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