cacology

[ ka-kol-uh-jee, kuh- ]

noun

1. defectively produced speech; socially unacceptable diction.

cacology

/ kəˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a bad choice of words; faulty speech

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacology¹

First recorded in 1615–25; caco- + -logy

Word History and Origins

Origin of cacology¹

C17 (in the sense: ill report): from Greek kakologia

Example Sentences

Cacology, ka-kol′o-ji, n. bad grammar or pronunciation.

From Project Gutenberg

Even Shakespeare might have been glad of such an opportunity to enlarge the cacology, by actual hearing, of some of his most amusing characters.

From Project Gutenberg

As to prose, I don't know Addison's from Johnson's; but I will try to mend my cacology.

From Project Gutenberg