malapropism

[ mal-uh-prop-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, especially by the confusion of words that are similar in sound.
2. an instance of this, as in “Lead the way and we'll precede.”

malapropism

/ ˈmæləprɒpˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one of similar sound, esp when creating a ridiculous effect, as in I am not under the affluence of alcohol
2. the habit of misusing words in this manner

malapropism

1. A humorous confusion of words that sound vaguely similar, as in “We have just ended our physical year” instead of “We have just ended our fiscal year.”

Notes

Mrs. Malaprop , a character in an eighteenth-century British comedy , The Rivals , by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, constantly confuses words. Malapropisms are named after her.

Derived Forms

• ˈmalaprop, adjective

Other Words From

• mala·prop·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropism¹

First recorded in 1840–50; Malaprop + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropism¹

C18: after Mrs Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775), a character who misused words, from malapropos

Example Sentences

He may invite passionate opposition from his foes, but his fans simply shrug at his misstatements, malapropisms and mendacity.

From Los Angeles Times

But Whitney’s malapropism cuts to the heart of it.

From New York Times

He mixes metaphors, sprinkles them with malapropisms and knows nobody will call him on any of it . . . because if they did, he’d accuse them of small thinking.

From Salon

The title is a classic “Ringoism,” as John Lennon used to refer to his malapropisms, an unusual phrase ripped from the same mind that came up with “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Tomorrow Never Knows.”

From Seattle Times

But regardless of their partisan affiliation, what they have in common is the tendency to commit some farcical malapropism early in their campaign that exposed, in a soundbite, their unfitness for office.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corruption
• exploitation
• harm
• maltreatment
• mistreatment
• prostitution
• squandering
• waste