1.
pun, wordplay, bad joke
A humorous use of words that sound alike or have multiple meanings, often considered corny or dad-joke-like.
駄洒落 refers to puns or wordplay, typically with a connotation of being corny or groan-worthy — similar to "dad jokes" in English.
Etymology
駄 (worthless, bad) + 洒落 (joke, wit, cleverness). The prefix 駄 gives it a self-deprecating or dismissive nuance.
Common expressions
Cultural note
Puns are a beloved form of humor in Japan. Middle-aged men are stereotypically associated with 駄洒落, hence the near-synonym おやじギャグ (dad joke). The word itself is mildly dismissive, but puns are usually told, and groaned at, good-naturedly.