This discussion of punning reminds me of a film which I am pretty sure I have praised here on AWAD before, Ridicule, which centers around life at court during the reign of Louis XVI. Wit and wordplay are very important but puns are considered the antithesis of wit. One young noble who is known for his wit, and who has been hoping to meet the King, does meet him unexpectedly on a morning walk around Versailles. The King remarks to him that he has heard of his renowned wit, and commands him to say something witty for his amusement there on the spot. The surprised young noble asks the King, on what subject shall he make a witty remark? Louis XVI replies that he should make it on himself, the King. The young noble, somewhat thunderstruck, replies, "But the King is not a subject. He is the King." Louis XVI smiles approvingly, but as he walks away he asks his retainers "That wasn't a pun, was it?" (or words to that effect). "Oh no, sir," they assure him, "it was a play on words."