SEMANTIC AMBIGUITY AND WORDPLAY IN THE STAND-UP COMEDY OF CAK LONTONG: A STUDY OF HUMOR THROUGH LANGUAGE

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the use of semantic ambiguity and wordplay in the stand-up comedy performances of Cak Lontong. As one of Indonesia’s well-known comedians, Cak Lontong is recognized for his distinctive humor, which relies on inverted logic, misdirection, and clever linguistic manipulation. The research adopts a descriptive qualitative method using content analysis. Data were collected from transcribed video clips of Cak Lontong's performances available on YouTube and TikTok. The findings reveal that his humor is often generated through literal interpretation, lexical ambiguity, and intentional contextual shifts. These linguistic techniques not only create comedic effects but also demonstrate language creativity and cultural awareness. The study concludes that Cak Lontong's humor goes beyond mere entertainment, highlighting the strategic use of semantics and pragmatics in everyday communication.