From Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry: [1]pun
Pronunciation: 'p&n
Function: noun
Etymology: perhaps from Italian puntiglio fine point, quibble —more at
_PUNCTILIO_ (aol://4344:1708.D0055483.40163517.672503658/)
: the usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or more
of its meanings or the meaning of another word similar in sound
···
Date: 1662
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When I said it was a pun, I was referring to the first part of the
definition, the double meaning of the word, "nothing." You refer to the second part of
the definition, involving sound-alike words (homophones).
Your triple pun is better told by beginning with, "A woman had [two or more]
grown boys..." so you don't give away any part of the pun(ch) line. It is
one of my favorites as well!
Brian
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In a message dated 1/2/2005 11:43:04 PM Pacific Standard Time,
isiegel@sbcglobal.net writes:
There's nothing to be ashamed about, because it wasn't a pun! A
pun involves at least one word that *sounds* like another word or
words. For example: A person entered a pun contest. He entered ten
seperate puns, hoping to win first prize, but no pun in ten did. Or,
my favorite triple pun (on three consecutive words): A woman had
three sons who owned a cattle ranch. They asked her what to name the
ranch, and she suggested the name Focus because, as she put it, it
was where the sons raise meat.
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