Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies (JSSHRS) · Research article · Open access
Hidden Meanings: A Linguistic and Semiotic Analysis of Wordplay in Advertising Posters
Sarvenaz Safavi
2 June 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 687-694
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04
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What is this article about?
This study investigates the linguistic and semiotic dimensions of wordplay in contemporary advertising posters, emphasizing the interaction between verbal expressions and visual signs in the construction of persuasive meanings. Drawing on semiotic perspectives developed by Koorosh Safavi and linguistic theories of ambiguity, metaphor, and pragmatics, the research examines how advertisers employ puns, double meanings, and symbolic imagery to attract audience attention and enhance message retention.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 2 June 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 6, pp. 687-694
- ISSN
- 3051-3561 (online) · 3051-3553 (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This study investigates the linguistic and semiotic dimensions of wordplay in contemporary advertising posters, emphasizing the interaction between verbal expressions and visual signs in the construction of persuasive meanings. Drawing on semiotic perspectives developed by Koorosh Safavi and linguistic theories of ambiguity, metaphor, and pragmatics, the research examines how advertisers employ puns, double meanings, and symbolic imagery to attract audience attention and enhance message retention. Using a qualitative content analysis approach, the study analyzes a selected corpus of advertising posters collected from digital and print media platforms. The analysis focuses on linguistic creativity, visual symbolism, and the relationship between textual and non-textual elements in shaping consumer interpretation. The findings reveal that wordplay functions as a powerful multimodal strategy that increases emotional engagement, strengthens brand identity, and produces layered meanings. The study contributes to research in semiotics, discourse analysis, and advertising linguistics by demonstrating the persuasive role of hidden meanings in visual communication.
Keywords: semiotics, Wordplay, Advertising Discourse, Visual Communication, Linguistic Ambiguity
Cite this article
Sarvenaz Safavi (2026). Hidden Meanings: A Linguistic and Semiotic Analysis of Wordplay in Advertising Posters. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(6), 687-694. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04
@article{Sarvenaz2026,
title = {Hidden Meanings: A Linguistic and Semiotic Analysis of Wordplay in Advertising Posters},
author = {Sarvenaz Safavi},
journal = {Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {6},
pages = {687-694},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Sarvenaz Safavi.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, Volume 2, Issue 6, pages 687-694, published by EP Journals Group on 2 June 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Sarvenaz Safavi (2026). Hidden Meanings: A Linguistic and Semiotic Analysis of Wordplay in Advertising Posters. Journal of Social Science and Human Research Studies, 2(6), 687-694. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-04
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