I have developed a system for objectively classifying puns. It really boils down to one statement:
The level of classification is determined by the number of connections it has to a relevant conversation.
But what does this mean?
The definition only makes sense when you define puns as jokes that exploit words with several definitions or words that sound similar to other words to convey additional meaning in a conversation.
Within every conversation, there is a main topic of discussion. The number of additional meanings that each pun has within this conversation is equal to the classification number of the pun.
For example, a pun that has no relationship with the conversation at hand would be considered a class 0 pun. Otherwise known as a pun joke, the class 0 pun is the lowest ranking and is applied to all independent jokes that contain puns because there is no inherent conversation that they are relevant to.
A pun that has one meaning related to the conversation and another meaning that is irrelevant to the conversation would be considered a class 1 pun.
Puns with two or more meanings relating to the conversation would be considered class two or higher. Puns of class two or higher are considered good puns, you should be proud when making puns of class two or higher.
It’s very difficult to make puns of class 3 or higher because words in English typically do not have that many meanings that are similar enough to make a pun of high enough caliber.
I have since added additional modifiers to account for the difficulty of making puns. These are harder to assign values to and may change in the future.
Puns made in more than one language are especially difficult to achieve. It has to be relevant in more than one language but also both parties have to understand all of the languages present for it to be a good pun. Puns with more than one language receive a 1.5x multiplier on their current classification rating (A class 2 pun in two languages would have an overall rating of class 3)
When using my classification system it is important to remember that the quality of the pun is related to the classification level but not determined by it. Quality is a subjective measure and can only be determined fully by yourself. For this, there is an additional plus/minus classification for personal rating. A good pun is assigned a plus rating the end of a classification (that was a 2+ pun) and a bad pun receives a minus sign at the end (that was a 1- pun). The plus-minus system is entirely independent of the classification system and should only be used to indicate subjective personal affection to a pun.
To conclude here are some humorous examples of puns:
How do you tell the genders of ants? You put them in some water. If it sinks its a girl ant, if it floats its buoyant. (Class 0 pun)
(in a conversation about people who overreact)
You know it’s hard to make chemistry puns, I often get no reaction (Class 1 pun, the only connection is reactions)
(in a conversation about a heavy-set woodcutter)
You know Tom? He’s a real lumbering jack. (class 2 pun, the phrase lumberjack refers to woodcutting whereas lumbering refers to his gait)
(In a chemistry classroom that is really hot right before a midterm regarding PV=nRT)
It’s really warm in here, the students must be under a lot of pressure. (Class 3 pun, warm temperature is related to pressure (Chemistry), there is pressure to do well on the test, and the midterm regarding PV=nRT)
(In a conversation about my little brother to a Serbian speaker).
My little brother Andrew? He's a real brat. (Class 2*1.5 pun, brat means brother in Serbian but also brat in English)
I'd like to conclude with a thank you to all of you who supported me along this journey. Who cringed at my puns (Some who laughed), those who kept being friends with me despite all the dumb puns I've made. And those who made tons of dumb puns with me.
Thank you so much.