Abstract:

As one of the most frequently used rhetorical devices, puns have long been studied extensively. However, earlier discussions have disproportionally focused on the definition and categorization of puns, leaving much room for further exploration, particularly in terms of rhetorical functions and mechanisms of pun generation. Studies in this direction may benefit from traditional Chinese literary theories, philosophy and aesthetics, as well as modern linguistics. The "Humor" and "Euphemism" in the ancient literary theory and the "Economy Principle" in modern linguistics have both shed light on the function of puns. Regarding pun generation, the concepts of "gentleness and sincerity" and "sublime words with deep meaning" derived from the Confucian thought of "the golden mean" provide philosophical and aesthetic foundation whereas numerous homophonic and multisemic expressions serve as the linguistic foundation.

Key words: Pun, definition, type, function, foundation CBC code, H14 Document code, A  Article No.