Pronunciation: [pˈaɹəɡɹˌam] (IPA) 
Paragram (/ˈpærəɡræm/) is a word that derives from the Greek "para", meaning "beside" or "beyond", and "graphein", meaning "to write". It refers to a type of wordplay or pun in which letters or syllables in a word are rearranged to create a new word or phrase. The spelling of "paragram" follows the English pronunciation rules, with the stress on the second syllable, and using the letters "p-a-r-a-g-r-a-m" to represent its sounds.
A paragram is a type of literary device frequently used in poetry or prose, characterized by the intentional rearrangement or alteration of letters or sounds within a word or phrase to create a new meaning, often resulting in a pun or play on words. The term "paragram" is derived from the Greek words "para" meaning "beside" or "beyond," and "graphos" which means "writing."
The purpose of a paragram is to bring attention to the imaginative possibilities of language, allowing the reader to engage in a deeper level of wordplay and linguistic exploration. By manipulating the structure of words, a paragram may evoke humor, ambiguity, irony, or surprise, adding a layer of complexity or creativity to the text.
For instance, a paragram might involve the manipulation of letters in a word to create new words or alter the original word's meaning. It can also involve the substitution of similar-sounding words or the repositioning of syllables to provoke a clever or comical effect. Paragrams often rely on the reader's familiarity with language conventions and cultural references to fully appreciate their impact.
Overall, a paragram serves as a tool through which writers can demonstrate linguistic versatility and showcase the inherent playfulness and flexibility of language, challenging readers to explore the boundaries and possibilities of words.
The word "paragram" is derived from the Greek term "para" meaning "beside" or "alongside", and "gramma" meaning "letter" or "writing". It was first used in English in the 19th century and originally referred to a rhetorical figure where a word or phrase was intentionally misspelled for a specific effect. Over time, its meaning has expanded to encompass other types of wordplay and literary devices.
