Dilogy , also known as double entendre , is a rhetorical figure that uses a word with several different meanings within a single sentence. It is widely used in advertising and humorous statements . For example:One printer said to the other: “Is this your copy or is it aimpressionmine?”.
Dilogy belongs to the group of rhetorical figures of speech, which consist of the modification of the form or sound of words or their syntax within sentences.
- See also: Poetic Resources
Examples of dilogy
- Where the deception with the Moorish Court
(Luis de Góngora)
The word “Mora” has two meanings: to inhabit (the literal one) and Muslim (the hidden one) - —I scolded a host.
—Why? Where? When? How?
—Because where I eat, when I get bad service, I despair.
(Iriarte)
Como has two meanings: first, it refers to the interrogative adverb and then to the conjugation of the verb “to eat.” - —Teacher!… Ah my son, in love, since women are the ones who teach, the more they teach you , the more they leave you in suspense!…
The word “teach” has two meanings: first it refers to the verb that means to communicate knowledge and then to show. - Pepsi Colain cans; this can has a lot of cola .
The word “cola” has two meanings: first, it refers to the drink itself, and second, the expression “to bring cola” means “to make an impact.” - With HachePé printers, you’ll get a magnificent print.
The word “print” has two meanings: as a feeling and as the result of printing a document. - Comrade, you know
you can counton me
, not to two or to ten
, but to count on me.
(Mario Benedetti)
The word “count” has two meanings: first, it refers to listing items, and then to considering a person for a specific purpose. - He left prison with such honor that two hundred cardinalsaccompanied him , but none of them addressed him as “your honor.”
The word “cardinal” has two meanings: ecclesiastics and hematomas or bruises. - I aspirefor peace, you aspire for the other.
(Illya Kuryaki & The Valderramas – “Abarajame”)
The word “aspirar” has two meanings: first, it refers to trying to achieve something, and then, it refers to drawing it into the lungs. - May death end my life or may my living be ordered. (“to command” and “to put in order”)
The word “to command” has two meanings: to command and to put in order. - I didn’t know what to wear, and I was so happy.
The word “to wear” has two meanings: first, it refers to dressing, and second, it refers to changing one’s mood.
