Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

double-entente

noun

/ˌdʌb.əl.ɪnˈtɒnt/

Definition

A phrase or expression that can be interpreted in more than one way, often with a humorous or risqué implication.

Examples

The phrase ‘She has a nice pair’ can be seen as a double-entente, referring to both shoes and an attractive figure.
In literature, authors often use double-ententes to add humor or irony to their narratives.
During the conversation, his comment had a double-entente that made everyone laugh.

Meaning

Double-entente refers to the occurrence of two different meanings in a statement or phrase, allowing for both a literal interpretation and an alternative, often more suggestive or ironic interpretation.