What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calembour
Example
The comedian's act was filled with clever calembours that had the audience laughing. [calembour: noun]
Example
She always enjoys making calembours in her conversations, adding a touch of wit and humor. [calembours: plural noun]
pun
Example
The stand-up comedian delivered pun after pun, leaving the audience in stitches. [pun: noun]
Example
He couldn't resist making a pun about the situation, causing everyone to burst into laughter. [making: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pun is more commonly used than calembour in everyday language. Pun is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while calembour is less common and may be more associated with literary or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calembour and pun?
While calembour is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, pun is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wide range of situations.