pivot word; kakekotoba; pun in poetry
A rhetorical device in classical Japanese poetry (waka) where a word carries two different meanings simultaneously, often creating a pivot between phrases. Not a simple pun; it is a structural technique.
Many pivot words are used in the Kokin Wakashū.
In this waka, 'matsu' (pine) is a pivot word with 'matsu' (to wait).
Most common kanji spelling for the rhetorical device.
Alternate kanji; less common than 掛詞.
Variant spelling; 掛詞 is preferred.
Explicit spelling including け, sometimes used for clarity.
Variant spelling; very uncommon.
Formed from 掛ける “to apply across or connect” and 詞 “word.” In classical poetry, one expression is made to carry two meanings or connect two contexts.