Here's a breakdown:
* Double refers to the two meanings.
* Entendre comes from the French word "entendre," which means "to understand."
Examples:
* "I'm looking for a good time." (Could mean a fun evening or a sexual encounter)
* "He's a real catch." (Could mean he's desirable or he's good at fishing)
* "That's a nice tie." (Could mean the tie is aesthetically pleasing or it's a gift from someone special)
Double entendres are often used for:
* Humor: To create a playful or suggestive tone.
* Ambiguity: To create uncertainty or intrigue.
* Irony: To convey a contrasting meaning.
* Subtlety: To convey a message in a subtle or indirect way.
It's important to note that the intended meaning of a double entendre can be subjective, and the effectiveness of the device depends on the context and audience.