Difference between revisions of "Malapropism"
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An example of a malaprop would be referring to an "arduous romance" instead of an "ardent romance" or a "mute point" instead of a "moot point." | An example of a malaprop would be referring to an "arduous romance" instead of an "ardent romance" or a "mute point" instead of a "moot point." | ||
| − | Often the humor is derived from the | + | Often the humor is derived from the suggestive nature of the malapropism, as in the following examples: |
* stimulated snakeskin shoes (simulated snakeskin shoes) | * stimulated snakeskin shoes (simulated snakeskin shoes) | ||
Revision as of 15:35, September 6, 2008
A Malapropism is the accidental misuse of a word, usually due to confusion with a linguistically similar word. Oftentimes, the use of a malapropism is quite humorous. The term derives from a character, "Mrs. Malaprop," in the 1775 play "The Rivals" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.
An example of a malaprop would be referring to an "arduous romance" instead of an "ardent romance" or a "mute point" instead of a "moot point."
Often the humor is derived from the suggestive nature of the malapropism, as in the following examples:
- stimulated snakeskin shoes (simulated snakeskin shoes)
- erotic 15 inch houseplant (exotic 15 inch houseplant)
- "let's simonize our watches" (Amos and Andy: simonize = synchronize)
"you've got me in suspenders" (suspenders = suspense)