Word play is a literary technique that involves manipulating language to create humor, puns, or clever expressions. It often relies on the multiple meanings of words, similar sounds, or unexpected associations. This technique can be found in various forms of writing, including poetry, prose, and even everyday conversation. Common examples of word play include puns, which are jokes that exploit the different meanings of a word or similar-sounding words, and malapropisms, where a word is mistakenly used in place of a similar-sounding one. Famous authors like William Shakespeare and Mark Twain frequently employed word play to enhance their storytelling and engage readers.