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THE HUMOROUS POTENTIAL OF METAPHORICAL POLYSEMY
Kendjaeva Zemfira
Teacher at Uzbek State World Languages University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14683277
Annotation.
This article examines how metaphorical polysemy—where a single
metaphorical expression carries multiple interpretations—can serve as a catalyst for humor in
multilingual and cross-cultural settings. Drawing upon theories of incongruity, benign
violation, and language interference, the study illustrates how speakers and listeners negotiate
overlapping meanings. Through qualitative analyses of everyday conversations, media texts,
and focus group discussions, the paper demonstrates how the literal and figurative dimensions
of polysemous expressions elicit laughter, confusion, or both. The multilingual context
intensifies these effects, as differences in linguistic codes and cultural norms can lead to
creative yet unintentional juxtapositions. The findings underscore the importance of embracing
these moments of linguistic play in educational environments, translations, and broader
communicative practice. The article ultimately highlights the pedagogical value in recognizing
metaphorical polysemy not only as a linguistic phenomenon but also as a potent source of
engagement and cultural insight.
Keywords:
metaphorical polysemy, humor studies, incongruity theory, multilingual
communication, language interference, cultural context, classroom pedagogy
Introduction
Metaphors are central to our cognitive and linguistic processes (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980).
By mapping one conceptual domain onto another, metaphors help individuals understand
complex or abstract ideas in more familiar terms. However, metaphors are also potent vehicles
for humor when they exhibit polysemy—that is, a single expression containing multiple, often
divergent meanings (Attardo, 2020). Metaphorical polysemy opens up a playful interpretive
space, prompting incongruity and surprise, both of which have long been identified as
cornerstones of humor (Koestler, 1964). In a multilingual context, these effects can be
amplified, as speakers negotiate different systems of semantic overlap and syntactic structure
(Сатибалдиев, 2024). This thesis explores how the overlapping meanings of metaphorical
expressions generate humor and how linguistic and cultural factors shape this process. By
examining theories of metaphor and humor, as well as the phenomenon of multilingual
language interference and facilitation (Satibaldiyev, 2022), this paper aims to illuminate the
mechanisms by which metaphorical polysemy fosters humorous outcomes.
The structure of this thesis is as follows: first, it offers a comprehensive literature review
detailing prior research on metaphor, polysemy, and humor theory. Then, it outlines the
methodological approach adopted for analyzing humorous instances of metaphorical polysemy
across different contexts. Next, the discussion section probes how sociolinguistic and
intercultural factors influence the construction and perception of humor. Finally, the paper
concludes by reflecting on the pedagogical implications and possibilities for further research.
Literature Review
Metaphorical polysemy refers to instances in which a metaphorically used word or phrase
can be interpreted in multiple ways, due to the various semantic domains a single lexical item
can span (Crisp, 2008). For instance, the word “light” can refer literally to illumination and
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metaphorically to weight (as in “light luggage”) or seriousness (as in “light conversation”).
When these meanings clash or intersect in a way that is unexpected, speakers and listeners may
experience humor through the recognition of incongruity. Research on polysemy traditionally
examines how words gain multiple meanings through gradual semantic shift, as well as how
context determines which meaning is most salient at a given time (Lakoff & Johnson, 1980).
Humor studies offer various theoretical frameworks for understanding how metaphors
can evoke laughter. Incongruity theory posits that humor arises when there is a mismatch
between expectation and reality (Attardo, 2020). Metaphors inherently juxtapose incongruent
concepts, and when these concepts are further complicated by polysemy, the resultant
interpretive tension can be amusing (Koestler, 1964). Another perspective is the ‘benign
violation’ theory, which suggests that humor occurs when a norm is violated in a way that does
not elicit a sense of threat (Attardo, 2020). Metaphorical polysemy, by momentarily subverting
one meaning with another, can be seen as a playful violation of semantic norms.
In multilingual settings, the humorous potential of metaphorical polysemy can be even
more pronounced. According to Сатибалдиев (2024), multilingual speakers often navigate
multiple linguistic codes, each with its own system of metaphors, idioms, and connotations. This
multiplicity can either lead to speech interference—where the languages ‘collide’ and produce
unintentional errors—or speech facilitation, in which one language’s metaphorical framework
clarifies or enriches another’s meaning (Satibaldiyev, 2022). Speech interference may
inadvertently amplify humor when the speaker selects a metaphorical expression that carries
a different meaning in another language. Conversely, speech facilitation can create
opportunities for wordplay if a particular expression resonates with parallel metaphors in two
or more languages (Сатибалдиев, 2022).
Cultural and Social Dimensions
Culture plays a critical role in shaping both metaphor usage and humor appreciation
(Forceville, 2009). What one culture finds humorous may be lost on another if the underlying
metaphorical mappings are unfamiliar. Additionally, social context—such as the relationship
between speakers, or the formality of the setting—can determine whether playful polysemy is
received as humorous or confusing (Attardo, 2020). In a globalized world, where cross-cultural
communication has become the norm, understanding the comedic potential of metaphorical
polysemy is particularly relevant for educators, translators, and communicators
(Сатибалдиев, 2024).
Methodology
To investigate the humorous potential of metaphorical polysemy, a qualitative approach
was adopted. Data were collected from three primary sources:
1.
Naturally Occurring Conversations
: Examples were gathered from everyday
interactions among multilingual speakers in university settings, where participants frequently
switched between Uzbek, Russian, and English. Instances in which a metaphorical expression
elicited laughter or confusion were noted and transcribed.
2.
Media Texts
: Excerpts from print and digital media were selected based on their frequent
use of figurative language. Following Сатибалдиев (2024), who emphasizes the importance of
studying media texts in multilingual settings, articles, advertisements, and satirical pieces were
analyzed for metaphorical expressions displaying polysemy. Both the original language of the
texts and translations were examined to identify shifts in interpretation.
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3.
Focus Groups
: Groups of university students and teachers were assembled to discuss
select examples of metaphorical polysemy. Participants were asked to articulate what they
found humorous about the expressions, if at all, and how language background influenced their
interpretation.
Data were coded based on the categories of metaphorical polysemy (e.g., literal vs.
figurative meaning, cross-linguistic transfer) and the types of humor they elicited (e.g., puns,
incongruity, benign violation). Triangulation was achieved by comparing data from the three
sources, ensuring that identified themes remained consistent across contexts (Attardo, 2020).
Discussion
Analysis of the data revealed several distinct mechanisms through which metaphorical
polysemy fosters humor:
1.
Unexpected Crossovers
: In many instances, participants drew attention to the literal
meaning of a metaphorical expression in a context clearly intended to be figurative. For
example, the English metaphor “break a leg” confused some Uzbek-speaking learners who
interpreted it literally, eliciting laughter in the classroom. The tension between the figurative
meaning (expressing good luck) and the literal meaning (actually breaking one’s leg)
exemplified incongruity (Koestler, 1964).
2.
Cross-Linguistic Interference
: Several humorous moments were rooted in the
interference between Uzbek, Russian, and English. A Russian idiom that translates literally to
“hang noodles on someone’s ears” (to deceive someone) was amusingly rendered by Uzbek
speakers as “put pasta in someone’s ears,” leading to confusion and mirth. This aligns with the
findings of Сатибалдиев (2024) on how translating media texts in multilingual settings can
cause semantic collisions, generating humor when literal translations highlight incongruous
meanings.
3.
Dual Meanings Within One Language
: Even within a single language, speakers played
with words that possessed multiple metaphorical senses. A teacher described an exam question
as a “piece of cake.” Students unfamiliar with this idiomatic usage reacted with confusion, only
for the rest of the class to laugh at the double meaning: an apparently literal mention of dessert
versus an indication of simplicity. This phenomenon underscores how metaphorical
expressions gain humorous momentum when there is a break in shared cultural or linguistic
knowledge (Attardo, 2020).
Cultural factors often determined whether a metaphorical expression’s polysemy would
be received as humorous or puzzling. For instance, certain metaphors involving animals—like
comparing people to “lazy cats” or “busy bees”—carried different connotations in Uzbek culture
than in English. In some focus groups, participants did not perceive the expressions as
humorous due to a lack of cultural resonance. However, when explanations were provided, the
newfound recognition of incongruity generated laughter.
Moreover, social relationships influenced humor reception. Teachers noted that gentle
teasing using metaphorical polysemy—such as calling a student a “bright spark” while implying
both intelligence and impulsivity—was more successful in a close-knit group. In more formal
contexts, that same double meaning might have been misunderstood or deemed inappropriate
(Forceville, 2009). This observation highlights that humor emerging from metaphorical
polysemy is context-dependent and not universal.
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Contrary to the assumption that multilingualism primarily causes confusion, focus group
interviews suggested that being fluent in multiple languages also facilitates humor
appreciation. Some participants found bilingual or trilingual puns more enjoyable because they
appreciated the semantic layers within and across languages (Satibaldiyev, 2022). For instance,
an advertising slogan that cleverly drew on both Uzbek and Russian metaphors was deemed
funnier by bilingual speakers than by monolingual speakers. These findings indicate that
multilingual settings create fertile ground for imaginative language play, intensifying the
comedic effect of metaphorical polysemy.
This thesis has examined how metaphorical polysemy generates humor through
incongruity, benign violation, and playful crossovers between literal and figurative meanings.
Drawing upon a qualitative analysis of everyday conversations, media texts, and focus group
discussions, the study illustrates that multilingual contexts intensify these humorous effects
through language interference and, at times, facilitation. Cultural nuance and social context
further modulate the reception of humor, demonstrating the complex interplay of linguistic and
extralinguistic factors in shaping the comedic potential of metaphorical expressions.
The implications of these findings are significant for educators, translators, and
communicators working in multilingual settings. Recognizing the humorous possibilities
embedded in metaphorical polysemy may enhance language instruction by motivating learners
and making the classroom environment more engaging. Translators, especially those dealing
with media texts, should remain vigilant about double meanings that can cause unintended
confusion—or amusement. Future research could expand on this work by examining
metaphorical polysemy in digital communication platforms, where emojis and multimodal
elements add yet another layer of interpretive complexity. Overall, understanding the
humorous potential of metaphorical polysemy not only enriches our appreciation of language
play but also underscores the importance of cultural and linguistic awareness in shaping how
we use, interpret, and enjoy metaphor.
References:
1.
Attardo, S. (2020).
The Linguistics of Humor: An Introduction
. Oxford University Press.
2.
Crisp, P. (2008). Between extended metaphor and allegory: Is blending enough?
Language
and Literature, 17
(4), 291–308.
3.
Forceville, C. (2009). Non-verbal and multimodal metaphor in a cognitivist framework:
Agendas for research. In C. Forceville & E. Urios-Aparisi (Eds.),
Multimodal metaphor
(pp. 19–
42). Mouton de Gruyter.
4.
Koestler, A. (1964).
The Act of Creation
. Hutchinson.
5.
Lakoff, G., & Johnson, M. (1980).
Metaphors We Live By
. University of Chicago Press.
6.
Satibaldiyev, E. K. (2022). LANGUAGE INTERACTION RESULTING IN SPEECH
INTERFERENCE AND FACILITATION. [Unpublished manuscript or conference paper; please
adjust formatting based on publication details if available.]
7.
Сатибалдиев, Э. (2024). Translating media texts in multilingual settings.
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(1), 208–215.
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Сатибалдиев, Э. К. (2022). ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЕ ЯЗЫКОВ И РЕЧЕВАЯ
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