Two for the Price of One! Did Someone Say Double Entendre? ➿

The double entendre is a classic literary device. It may also be the most commonly used literary tool in everyday life. Many people enjoy the word play and humor created by using the double entendres. Others enjoy them as a means to say a sexually explicit comment without actually being sexually explicit. Marketing specialists consider the double entendre to be the holy grail of ad campaigns and slogans.

What is Double Entendre?

Double entendre is a literary device that uses words with two meanings, usually one literal and one figurative. It is used to create humor or add depth to a conversation. Double entendres can be used to make a point, create a joke, or depth and complexity to a conversation. It frequently relies on humor and innuendo to make its point.

When do writers use Double Entendre?

Writers use double entendre to add complexity and depth to their writing. If done well, it’s quite pleasing to say something articulately while at the same time saying something else covertly with the same words.

Double Entendre in Literature and Poetry 📚

As with all things literary, Shakespeare was also a master of the double entendre. But before we delve into all that, let’s take a look at some other great examples of literary double entendres.

Homer’s use of double entendre in The Odyssey was a demonstration of Odysseus’ wit and humor when he and the Cyclops fought, and the outcome is priceless. Homer writes:

The passage is so humorous because the name “Noman” can also be taken as “no man” or “nobody” so in failing to give Polyphemus his name and the latter believing his name to be “No Man,” Polyphemus is telling his friend that literally no one is killing him by force. The result is that for all intents and purposes, it sounds like he stabbed himself in the eye.

And, of course, Shakespeare must be noted. However, rather than use one of his more complex examples, a straightforward one from Romeo and Juliet shall suffice:

In this exchange, Mercutio uses double entendre to both say that it is noon but also make a lewd comment that someone has a lustful penis which offends Juliet’s nurse.

Entendre in Children’s Literature🧸

While technically more of a young adult version of literature, Oliver Twist has a character named Charles Bates whom other characters refer to as “Master Bates.” You get the idea. Clearly, Charles Dickens had a sense of humor, or a mean streak. 

Double Entendre in Film and Pop Culture 🎥

1) Are You Being Served, British TV show by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft – 

Set in a clothing store, this passage is humorous because the double meaning of their “drawers” are literal drawers in one sense but their undergarments in another.

2) Deadpool 2 (2018) – The thing that’s great about the Deadpool movies is even if you had no clue what’s going on, he literally tells you. Enjoy narrated double entendre overload.

Famous Movie Dialogue Highlighting Double Entendre 🎥

“I do wish we could chat longer, but… I’m having an old friend for dinner. Bye.” – Hannibal Lecter, The Silence of the Lambs

Double Entendre in Advertising 📺

In the world of advertising, the double entendre has become the holy grail of slogans and taglines. Some experts will say this is due to the humor marketers find in such things and others will say it’s a result of the dirty minded business owners. Whatever the reason this type of ad is catchy and memorable. Just take a look at the list below.

Burger King‘s “Have it Your Way” – Professionally speaking, the slogan refers to the customization of your order, but if you read between the lines, it’s rich in sexual undertones.
KFC‘s “Finger Lickin’ Good” – Once again, the initial phrase implies the food is so good that you will want to lick your fingers after to make sure you get every last drop of flavor but again, this slogan is also rich in sexual undertones.
Nike‘s “Just Do It” – This slogan is meant to prompt customers into action in order to get fit and happy, but as seems to be a recurrent theme in advertising, it is also suggestive of sex.
Budweiser‘s “This Bud’s for You” slogan actually steps away from the sexual innuendo and goes a different route. While the implication of the ad is to tell the viewer “This beer belongs to you,” it is also suggestive of marijuana use.
Kool-Aid‘s “Oh Yeah!” – Ok. So, for those of you unfamiliar with classic 80s and early 90s ad campaigns, this is one for the books. A must see. The “Oh Yeah!” is intended to suggest customers will not only be excited when they drink Kool-Aid, but it will really hit the spot, so to speak. In-and-of itself, the ad is relatively harmless, but pair it with the curvy Kool-Aid pitcher, the “sexy” music, and the deep Marvin Gaye voice-over in the style of his song “Let’s Get it On,” and well, you have an idea of what the full effect of this as campaign was.

Double Entendre related literary devices 👥

Pun – A uses various plays on words in which words which sound similar or have similar meaning are played with to create a humorous new meaning or phrase.
Innuendo – When a word or phrase is used to imply something else, usually negative, and refers to something offensive, sexual, or demeaning. An innuendo allows you to deliver an insult in a less obvious way, or covertly.
Euphemism – An expression used to replace something uncomfortable or offensive with something less harsh. Instead of saying so-and-so died, we say they “passed away” or “kicked the bucket.”

FAQ 🤔