Word of the Day, November 14: ‘Malapropism’
Word of the Day: MALAPROPISM
Pronunciation: MAL-uh-prop-iz-um
UK /ˈmæl.ə.prɒp.ɪ.zəm/
US /ˈmæl.ə.prɑː.pɪ.zəm/
Meaning
Malapropism is a noun that refers to the incorrect use of a word in place of another word that sounds similar but has a completely different meaning. The mistake often produces an amusing or nonsensical result.
Examples in everyday sentences
- Her speech was full of malapropisms, making it difficult for the audience to take her seriously.
- Calling an 'alligator' an 'allegory' is a classic example of a malapropism.
- He meant to say 'prostate' but accidentally said 'prostrate', creating an awkward malapropism.
Origin and history
The word malapropism takes its name from Mrs Malaprop, a comic character in the 1775 play The Rivals by Irish playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Mrs Malaprop is known for using impressive-sounding words incorrectly, often with hilarious results.
Her name was inspired by the French expression mal à propos, meaning 'inappropriate' or 'not to the point'.
The term malapropism entered English in the 19th century and gradually became the accepted name for this kind of verbal mistake.
Also Read: Word of the Day, November 13: ‘Lunatic’
Cultural significance and modern usage
Malapropisms have long been used in literature and comedy to create humour through mistaken words. Writers often give characters this habit to reveal their personalities, social ambitions or attempts to sound more educated than they are.
William Shakespeare also used similar wordplay in his plays, particularly through the character Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing. His amusing misuse of words is sometimes called a Dogberryism.
In modern conversations, malapropisms can happen to anyone, particularly when speaking quickly or trying to remember an unfamiliar word.
Interesting facts
- Mrs Malaprop is the character who gave the word malapropism its name.
- A person who frequently makes such mistakes may be described as a malaprop.
- The term Dogberryism is another name for a malapropism, inspired by Shakespeare's character Dogberry.
- Malapropisms are different from spoonerisms. A spoonerism involves switching the initial sounds of two words, while a malapropism involves substituting one word for another similar-sounding word.
Examples from literature
- “He is the very pineapple of politeness!” — The Rivals by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
- “Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons.” — Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare (Dogberry uses 'comprehended' instead of 'apprehended' and 'auspicious' instead of 'suspicious'.)
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