Clever wordplay

[betty swollocks]

Am reading a book 'Churchill's Wizards' by Nicholas Rankin: an enthralling book with mentions Sefton Delmer a British propagandist in the Second World War whose efforts had a disproportionate effect in defeating the Germans and whose nickname was 'Seldom Defter', according to the above book.
It made me chuckle and think about what a wonderful language we share which lends itself readily to these witticisms.
We can all think of examples, I'm sure.
Another topical one:-
Q What is Good King Wenceslas' favourite pizza?
A Deep pan crisp and even.

Anyway, do other languages have examples of wordplay? I'm sure they do. Not just European ones though?
Perhaps some cunning linguists on this forum could provide some examples and try to explain them: difficult I know?

 

[Aperitif]

Ivor Nideer (b1930) was an unremarkable inventor. Not much has been written about him, apart from this rubbish.

 

[swee'pea99]

This probably belongs on the mis-heard lyrics thread but I only just remembered it for some reason - my Dad telling me how disappointed he was when he discovered that his favourite hymn wasn't actually about a cross-eyed bear called Gladly.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Anyway, do other languages have examples of wordplay? I'm sure they do

The Asterix books do - wordplay in French and then expertly translated into wordplay in English!

 

[rich p]

I was in Northumberland a few years ago and discussing the old story of Grace Darling with some people. Lateron, when we were alone, Mrs rich p confided to me in all innocence that she'd never heard of a grey starling.

 

[WeeE]

Talk about unsung heroes - that stuff on Sefton Delmer was fascinating. Why do we get so much crap on celebs when the country's stuffed full of people as genuinely interesting as that? Thanks for the link!

 

[Maz]

I know someone called Jess Swan.
My 3-year old overheard the name during a conversation and added:
"Jess Two, Jess Three, Jess Four, Jess Five..."

I burst out laughing. I'd never noticed the play on words before.

 

[rich p]

Taliking of Spoonerising names, there was an MP in the mid 20th C called Hartley Shawcross who changed parties more than once and was nicknamed Shortly Floorcross.

 

[snakehips]

There used to be a Dynarod advert on TV featuring .....

The lone Drainer and Pronto


Snake

My Library

 

[solmisation]

One of my favorite joke is based on a spoonerism,
What is the difference between a magicians wand and a policeman's truncheon?
One's for cunning stunts.

 

[abchandler]

I know someone called Jess Swan.

What a double barrelled name she'd end up with if she married Mr Cornetto...

Geeve eet to meeeee

 

[Ashtrayhead]

One of my favorite joke is based on a spoonerism,
What is the difference between a magicians wand and a policeman's truncheon?
One's for cunning stunts.

Also...

What's the difference between Fanny Craddock and a long distance runner?
One's a pant in the country....