Malapropism
Pronounced MAL-uh-prop-iz-um.
Malapropism: The comic misuse of a word in place of a similar-sounding one.
A malapropism characterizes through error: the speaker reaches for eloquence and grabs the wrong word, and the gap between ambition and result is the joke.
Malapropism examples
"He is the very pine-apple of politeness! - Mrs Malaprop, the device's namesake, meaning 'pinnacle'."
— The Rivals, Richard Brinsley Sheridan
"Comparisons are odorous - Dogberry, meaning 'odious'."
— Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare
"She described the negotiation as a real quid pro crow."
— original example
"For all intensive purposes."
— common usage
Spot the Malapropism
Score: 0/0The comic misuse of a word in place of a similar-sounding one.
"He is the very pine-apple of politeness! - Mrs Malaprop, the device's namesake, meaning 'pinnacle'."
Which work is this from?
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Malapropism: common questions
What is malapropism in literature?
The comic misuse of a word in place of a similar-sounding one. A malapropism characterizes through error: the speaker reaches for eloquence and grabs the wrong word, and the gap between ambition and result is the joke.
What is an example of malapropism?
A classic example is "He is the very pine-apple of politeness! - Mrs Malaprop, the device's namesake, meaning 'pinnacle'." (The Rivals, Richard Brinsley Sheridan).
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