In my accent (a rhotic New England without the cot–caught merger) they’re all different:
• “ox” /ɒks/
• “aux” /ɔːks/
• “orcs” /ɔɹks/
But hey, close enough for a pun anyway. My favourite rhymes and puns are those that work in any accent, but it’s a bit harder to come by one that’s not overused.
Actually, you've reminded me that some of the best puns are the ones that don't quite work anyway. Part of the reason "surely you can't be serious..." is so funny is that it's tortuous to the point of absurdity!
• “ox” /ɒks/
• “aux” /ɔːks/
• “orcs” /ɔɹks/
But hey, close enough for a pun anyway. My favourite rhymes and puns are those that work in any accent, but it’s a bit harder to come by one that’s not overused.