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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]].

A '''malapropism''' is the accidental misuse of a word, usually due to confusion with a [[linguistic]]ally similar word. Oftentimes, the use of a malapropism is quite [[humor]]ous.  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."

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:

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 (stimulated = simulated)

* erotic 15 inch houseplant (exotic 15 inch houseplant)

* erotic 15 inch houseplant (erotic = exotic)

*"let's simonize our watches" (Amos and Andy: simonize = synchronize)

* let's simonize our watches (from [[Amos and Andy]]: simonize = synchronize)

"you've got me in suspenders" (suspenders = suspense)

* you've got me in suspenders (suspenders = suspense)

[[category:linguistics]]

[[category:linguistics]]