Puns: The Lowest Form of Wit

Puns may be the lowest form of wit (and "therefore the foundation of all wit" according to Henry Erskine) but do they deserve the scorn that has been heaped upon them by their detractors down through the ages? Love 'em or loathe 'em, puns have been around since ancient times and are here to stay.

The Pun FAQtory: Frequently Askewed Questions about Paronomasia
Mark Samwick maintains the unofficial FAQ for the UseNet newsgroup alt.humor.puns It probably includes more than you wanted to know or even knew existed on the subject of wit and wordplay. Topics covered include:

• Netiquette
• Definitions
• History of the Pun
• Types of Puns
• Literary References and Works

Here are some highlights:

Daffynitions:

Pasteurize: Too far to see.

Propaganda: A gentlemanly goose.

Definitions:

Alimony: The bounty of mutiny.

Hangover: The wrath of grapes.

Will Work For Puns:

I used to be a lumberjack, but I got the axe.

I used to be a tailor, but my work was so-so.

Signs of the Times:

On a junkyard fence: "Edifice wrecks."

On a diaper service truck: "Rock a dry baby."

Spoonerisms:

"Is it kistomary to cuss the bride?"

Tom Swifties:

"Let's go to McDonald's," said Tom archly.

"I've caught Moby Dick!" Tom wailed.

Visit The Pun FAQtory and learn more about wit and wordplay.

Books for Those who like Pun-ishment

• Puns Spooken Here
• The Best Book of Puns
• Pun and Games: Jokes, Riddles, Daffynitions, Tairy Fales, Rhymes, and More Word Play for Kids

More Fun With Words

• A Well Boiled Icicle
• Palindromes
• Pangrams