Sexual innuendo

Definition

Sexual innuendo is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase has a hidden meaning, often suggestive of sexual undertones. This form of expression relies on double meanings to create humor or tension, making it a common element in literature and theater, particularly in the context of comedy. The clever use of sexual innuendo allows playwrights to address taboo subjects indirectly while still engaging the audience's interest and imagination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Restoration comedy is known for its witty dialogue and sharp repartee, making sexual innuendo a prominent feature in many plays from this era.
2. Key playwrights like William Congreve and George Etherege masterfully employed sexual innuendo to explore themes of love, desire, and societal norms.
3. Innuendos were often used to discuss sexual relationships indirectly, allowing playwrights to push the boundaries of what could be openly addressed on stage.
4. The use of sexual innuendo contributed to the comedic tension in Restoration comedies, creating layers of meaning that engaged audiences both intellectually and emotionally.
5. This technique was not only entertaining but also served as social commentary, revealing the moral complexities and hypocrisies of 17th-century society.

Review Questions

• How does sexual innuendo function as a comedic device in Restoration comedy?
  • Sexual innuendo serves as a key comedic device in Restoration comedy by creating humor through suggestive language and double meanings. It allows characters to engage in flirtation and banter while skirting societal taboos around explicit discussions of sexuality. This clever wordplay engages the audience's imagination and encourages them to read between the lines, adding depth and wit to the dialogue while also reflecting on contemporary social norms.
• In what ways did playwrights like William Congreve utilize sexual innuendo to critique societal norms?
  • Playwrights such as William Congreve cleverly employed sexual innuendo to critique the rigid societal norms of their time. By using suggestive language and humor, they highlighted the hypocrisy surrounding issues of love and desire, revealing the contrast between public morals and private behavior. The innuendos often provided insight into characters' true motivations and desires while simultaneously entertaining the audience, making their critiques more palatable and engaging.
• Evaluate the impact of sexual innuendo on audience perception and reception of Restoration comedies during its time.
  • The impact of sexual innuendo on audience perception and reception of Restoration comedies was significant. Audiences were drawn to the cleverness and playfulness of the dialogue that allowed for hidden meanings related to sexuality. This created an atmosphere where societal constraints could be momentarily set aside, leading to both amusement and reflection on contemporary morals. By successfully navigating the boundaries between propriety and risqué humor, Restoration playwrights not only entertained but also provoked thought about human relationships, ultimately leaving a lasting influence on comedic literature.

Related terms

Double Entendre: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is devised to be understood in two different ways, often one of which is risqué or inappropriate.

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vice or folly, often through the use of innuendo.

Wit:

The ability to use words in a clever and humorous way, often involving a play on words, which can include sexual innuendo for comedic effect.