MALAPROPISM

Malapropism

A ‘malapropism’ is when an incorrect word is used in a sentence that sounds like the correct word but means something completely different.

Examples of malapropisms include:

• Pollen is harsh on the sciences. (sinuses)

• At times, my job can be quite monogamous. (monotonous)

• Without proper installation, you’ll feel the cold in the winter. (insulation)

• We awaited their return with baited breath. (bated)

• His story doesn’t jive with the evidence. (jibe)

more on distinctions between speaking errors in english:

Difference Between Malapropism, Spoonerism, Eggcorn, Freudian Slip, and Mondegreen

There are many different types of errors in speech. Here are the key differences between malapropisms, Spoonerisms, eggcorns, Freudian slips, and mondegreens:

Malapropism: Substitution an incorrect word for one that sounds very similar. For example, substituting the word “tender” for “tenor” in the following sentence: “I didn’t like the tender of that conversation.”

Spoonerism: Switching the vowels or consonants in two words in close proximity, either unintentionally as an error or intentionally for humorous purposes. For example: “I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.”

Eggcorn: An intentional substitution of a similar sounding word that still makes sense. For example, “old-timer’s disease” for “Alzheimer’s disease” or “mating name” for “maiden name.”

Freudian Slip: An unintentional utterance that may reveal something in the speaker’s unconscious. For example, if someone wanted to say, “I really love chocolate,” but instead said “I really love Charlie,” this might hint at an unconscious desire.

Mondegreen: A misheard word or words in song lyrics. For example, some might misheard Elton John’s “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” as “Hold me closer, Tony Danza.”

Common Examples of Malapropism

We say malapropisms all the time in every day speech. For example, if you were going to your friends’ house for dinner named Jeff and Deb, you might accidentally say you were going to Deaf and Jeb’s house. There are also many famous people who have said malapropisms and get lampooned in the media for having said them. Here are some examples of malapropisms from famous people:

“I’m going to put people in my place, so when the history of this administration is written at least there’s an authoritarian voice saying exactly what happened.”—George Bush (substituted “authoritarian” for “authoritative”)

“He was a man of great statue.”—Thomas Menino, Boston mayor (substituted “statue” for “stature”)

“It is beyond my apprehension.”—Danny Ozark, baseball team manager (substituted “apprehension” for “comprehension)

“This is unparalyzed in the state’s history.”—Gib Lewis, Texas Speaker of the House (substituted “unparalyzed” for “unparalled”)

“I’m fading into Bolivian.”—Mike Tyson (substituted “Bolivian” for “oblivion”)