[20] The word is used to signify a proverbial metaphor or simile,[21] a type of figure of speech commonly found in traditional pantun or proverbs from classical Malay literature.

[24] Other theory suggests that pantun originated from the word penuntun[25] ('guider'),[26] from noun-building prefix pe(n) and the verb tuntun (Jawi:تونتون) or 'to guide'.

[37] The popularity of pantun among hybrid communities like Peranakans, Chitty and Kristang people, signifies its preeminent position as a cultural symbol in the Malay world.

As Malay culture emphasised the importance of polite and indirect expressions, pantuns are generally created in styles portraying various forms of figurative language.

[40] Elements of metaphors, similes, symbols, personifications, eponyms, allusions, idioms and proverbs are abound in the elegantly compacted Malay pantuns.

[42] As an expressive tool, pantuns are also used extensively in the lyrics of traditional Malay songs[43] that tuned to the popular rhythms like Zapin,[44] Inang and Joget.

[45] Other notable application of pantuns can be found as a structural support for art performances like Dondang sayang, Bangsawan, Mak yong, Mek Mulung and Dikir barat.

[46] The skill in performing these poems is to recite in a way to suggest a form of singing while at the same time conjure up the ability to engage in quick, witty and subtle dialogue.

[48] Indeed, much of Indonesia's traditional literature forms the foundation of complex mixed-genre performances, such as the Randai of the Minangkabau of western Sumatra, which blends instrumental music, dance, drama, and martial arts in ceremonial settings.

Tanam selasih di tengah padang, Sudah bertangkai diurung semut, Kita kasih orang tak sayang, Halai-balai tempurung hanyut.

Other frequently recurring symbols are the flower and the bee, indicating a girl and her lover, the squirrel (tupai) implying a seducer, and the water hyacinth (bunga kiambang) meaning love that will not take root.

The pantun often makes use of proverbs as well as geographical and historical allusions, for example, the following poem by Munshi Abdullah:[51] Singapura negeri baharu, Tuan Raffles menjadi raja, Bunga melur, cempaka biru, Kembang sekuntum di mulut naga.