How does one develop the usage of word play?

Read, read, read. Reading on a daily basis helps to broaden your vocabulary. Try reading a word a day from a dictionary...understand the meaning of the word and add it to your everyday vocabulary. This also, can be accomplished by reading magazines, books, newspapers, and any other types of literature that is available. Whatever you would like to read...just do it! I guarantee you that your vocabulary will grow tremendously. As your vocabulary grows, you will begin to create words or phrases that form different analogies.