Can’t tech a joke: AI does not understand puns, study finds

Researchers say results underline large language models’ poor grasp of humour, empathy and cultural nuance

Comedians who rely on clever wordplay and writers of witty headlines can rest a little easier, for the moment at least, research on AI suggests.

Experts from universities in the UK and Italy have been investigating whether large language models (LLMs) understand puns – and found them wanting.