Pun Intended

Certainly you’ve heard the statement “no pun intended” inserted immediately after some fantastic, but accidental, pun. We seem to recognize and appreciate puns as a form of expression–even the seemingly unintended ones! However, when a pun is intended, we feel the need to state that fact, also–lest someone should miss our clever creation! My point being, we are clearly inclined to bring attention to them by pointing them out, whether we created them with or without intent.

There are two main reactions to puns: appreciation (a laugh, a chuckle, or even “hey, that’s good!”) or a mild form of disgust (rolling the eyes, heaving a big sigh of feigned boredom). Even the mild form of disgust, however, is often accompanied by a grin of recognition (yes, it was a pun!). Success in either case!

Which camp are you in–the appreciators or the other camp? >>>.