Double Entendre
Pattern
Surface meaning + hidden secondary meaning
Definition
A phrase that can be interpreted in two ways, one of which is usually risque, ironic, or has a hidden second layer of meaning.
Examples
Example 1
I assure you, madam, my pencil is at your service.
Common in Restoration comedy
The surface meaning offers artistic assistance while the subtext suggests something else entirely
Example 2
Is that a pistol in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?
Mae West
The innocent explanation — an actual weapon — is clearly the less intended reading
Example 3
The politician said he was committed to exploring every position thoroughly.
"Position" simultaneously means political stance and something more suggestive
AI Detection Note
AI generally avoids double entendre due to safety training that discourages ambiguity around sensitive meanings. When AI produces dual-meaning phrases, the secondary meaning is usually unintentional.
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