jeu de mots
/ʒø d(ə) mo/masculine
The English phrase 'play on words' is translated into French as jeu de mots.
jeu de mots is a masculine noun used to describe a pun or a similar humorous use of language.
Meaning: pun or similar humorous use of language (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of jeu (game), de (of) and mots (words).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'plays on words', only the first word changes to its plural form: jeux de mots.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒø d(ə) mo/
Did you know?
- In French culture, the jeu de mots is often seen as a mark of intellectual agility and wit rather than just a simple joke. It is highly prized in classical French literature and political discourse.
- The French word jeu shares a common ancestor with the English word 'joke'. Both stem from the Latin 'iocus', which referred to something playful or a jest.
- While jeu de mots is a general term, French speakers use the specific word calembour to describe a pun that is particularly clumsy or heavy-handed.
Examples in context
- C’est un jeu de mots.This is a play on words.This sentence is useful for identifying a jeu de mots.Tatoeba #3298 by zmoo, translation #5152681 by kemushi69
- La pièce de théâtre était remplie de jeux de mots subtils et amusants.The play was filled with subtle and amusing plays on words.
- L'écrivain a utilisé un calembour brillant pour conclure son discours.The writer used a brilliant play on words to conclude his speech.
- On a passé toute la soirée à faire des jeux de mots stupides, c'était génial !We spent the whole evening making silly wordplays, it was great!
- Mon ami est incroyablement doué pour inventer des jeux de mots rigolos à la volée.My friend is incredibly skilled at coming up with funny wordplays on the spot.
- Il a fait un jeu de mots très drôle.He made a very funny pun.
- Je ne comprends pas ce jeu de mots.I don't understand this play on words.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are watching a comedy show on TV.
- ManonQuel jeu de mots incroyable !What an incredible pun!
- LucasC'est vrai, il est très intelligent.It's true, he is very clever.
- ManonEst-ce que tu as compris sa blague ?Did you understand his joke?
- LucasPas vraiment, c'était un peu compliqué.Not really, it was a bit complicated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “play on words” translations and entries jeu de mots, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, jeu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
