double entendre

/ˌduː.bl ɒnˈtɒn.drə/ French Origin Language

Original Word

double entendre

French

Entered English

17th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "double entendre"

From French 'double entendre' (though the modern French expression is 'double sens'). A word or phrase that can be understood in two ways, typically one of which is risqué or ironic. A staple of English humor and literature since the 17th century.

Example Usage

"The comedian's double entendre had the audience laughing at both meanings."

All French Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

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