mal·a·prop·ism (m l  -pr p- z m)n. 1. Ludicrous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound. 2. An example of such misuse. [From malaprop.] mal a·propi·an (-prp -n) adj. |
malapropism [ˈmæləprɒpˌɪzəm]
n
1. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) 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. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) the habit of misusing words in this manner
[after Mrs Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775), a character who misused words, from malapropos]
malaprop , malapropian adj
malapropism
1. the unconscious use of an inappropriate word, especially in a cliché, as fender for feather in “You could have knocked me over with a fender.” [Named after Mrs. Malaprop, a character prone to such uses, in The Rivals, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan]
2. an instance of such misuse. Cf. heterophemism.
See also: Language
2. an instance of such misuse. Cf. heterophemism.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  malapropism - the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similarmisstatement - a statement that contains a mistake |
Translations
malapropism
n → Malapropismus m
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