The meaning of Paragram is a play upon words, otherwise a pun, a paragrammatist and a punster being convertible terms. The word Paragram may further be explained as a word or phrase which admits of a double meaning, the effectiveness of which consists in the incongruity and consequent humour caused by the word or phrase being used in totally different senses to that customarily attributed to it. Punning is only effective when impromptu, and can hardly be classed among the social round of word puzzles; but, on the other hand, Paragrams may be constructed which bring out the different meaning of the same word, giving rise to the exercise of ingenuity, and at the same time affording fun and amusement. The following illustrations will show in what the peculiarity of Paragrams consists, and how far superior as a puzzle Paragrams are to mere puns:—
I strengthen the weak, I cross the wide sea,
I frighten the thief, and I grow on a tree.
Answer: Bark.
I am a letter and a word,
I am a tree and Christian name;
And should you me in pieces cut
Yourself and act would be the same.
Weigh this with care, and then no doubt
You'll find its simple meaning out.