YJSSH
Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

The Role of Semantics in Humor: A Study of Wordplay and Double Meanings

Heltri Firdayati Samongilailai (Unknown)
Damanik , Bernieke Anggita Ristia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Jul 2025

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the role of semantics in constructing humor, specifically through mechanisms of wordplay and double meanings. Using a literature review method, this study synthesizes findings from recent linguistic and pragmatic research related to humor strategies. The analysis shows that lexical ambiguity, especially involving homonyms and polysemy, serves as the primary foundation for verbal humor. Patterns of phonological wordplay, morphological manipulation, and shifts in meaning are identified as key strategies that enable multiple interpretations and the emergence of humorous effects. The study also emphasizes the important role of context and pragmatic knowledge in interpreting ambiguity and resolving semantic contradictions. These findings imply that humor is not only a linguistic phenomenon but also a cognitive process that requires the active involvement of listeners in understanding semantic structures and contextual information.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

yjssh

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (YJSSH) is an academic journal which focuses on social and humanistic issues, both of a conceptual and an empirical nature. The journal uses a multidisciplinary perspective with a focus on the main issue. The journal is open to all to contribute to it, ...