言こと葉ば遊あそび

こ

と

ば

あ

そ

び

Meanings

1

word game; wordplay; playing with words

Refers to any playful manipulation of language, such as puns, riddles, tongue twisters, or creative use of words.

う

。

He is good at wordplay and often makes puns.

この詩しには巧たくみな言こと葉ば遊あそびがたくさん使つかわれている。

This poem uses a lot of clever wordplay.

ダジャレ
A specific type of wordplay: a pun or groan-inducing joke based on similar-sounding words. 言葉遊び is the broader category.
しゃれ
Often overlaps with ダジャレ, but can also refer to a witty remark or stylishness. 言葉遊び is more neutral and general.

Compound of 言葉 (ことば, 'word') and 遊び (あそび, 'play'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.