A malapropism (also called a malaprop, acyrologia, or Dogberryism) is the incorrect use of a word in place of a word with a similar sound, either unintentionally or for comedic effect, resulting in a nonsensical, often humorous utterance. An example is the statement attributed to baseball player Yogi Berra, regarding switch hitters, "He hits from both sides of the plate. He's amphibious",[1] with the accidental use of amphibious rather than the intended ambidextrous. Malapropisms often occur as errors in natural speech and are sometimes the subject of media attention, especially when made by politicians or other prominent individuals. Philosopher Donald Davidson has said that malapropisms show the complex process through which the brain translates thoughts into language.
Humorous malapropisms are the type that attract the most attention and commentary, but bland malapropisms are common in speech and writing.
^"'Yogisms': Yogi Berra's best sayings". Major League Baseball at mlb.com. December 8, 2021.
A malapropism (also called a malaprop, acyrologia, or Dogberryism) is the incorrect use of a word in place of a word with a similar sound, either unintentionally...
programming and author of COBOL "'Am and Tripe" – HMS Amphitrite; humorous malapropism "America's Favorite Carrier" – USS Carl Vinson "Angry Cat" – French ship...
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person rather than being used generally within a speech community. A malapropism generally derives its effect from a comic misunderstanding of the user...
metonymic, or figurative language. A pun differs from a malapropism in that a malapropism is an incorrect variation on a correct expression, while a...
playing the comic relief character Izzy Moreno, an informant with a malapropism infused Cuban accent and involved in a variety of outlandish business...
be more beneficial in nature. Cacography Doublespeak Figure of speech Malapropism Metaphor Rhetoric Skunked term Ghiazza, Silvana (2007). Le figure retoriche...
The law of holes, or the first law of holes, is an adage which states: "if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." It is used as a metaphor, warning...
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how a phenomenon such as inherent funniness of words is an accident Malapropism – the use of an incorrect word in place of a word that sounds similar...
English grammar English as She Is Spoke Fowler's Modern English Usage Malapropism Prescription and description Error (linguistics) Zeugma, a rhetorical...
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Comments 6 months Semiannual 'Biannual' means twice in a year, or a malapropism meaning once every two years ('biennial'). Biannual 1 year Annual Paper...
particularly by Lennon. McCartney commented: "Ringo would do these little malapropisms, he would say things slightly wrong, like people do, but his were always...
album, Circus Hero, was released 25 March 2014. It is titled after a malapropism of the band's name made by a radio disc jockey during an interview of...
word origins Folk etymology – Process of reinterpretive word formation Malapropism – Misuse of a word Pseudoscientific language comparison – Form of pseudo-scholarship...
of comically bumbling watchmen. Dogberry is notable for his numerous malapropisms, sometimes called "dogberryisms" or "dogberrys". The character was created...
1967 film In Like Flint is a play on the term, and that has led to a malapropism where some speakers believe that is the original phrase. Partridge, Eric...
1998. Berra quit school after the eighth grade. He was known for his malapropisms as well as pithy and paradoxical statements, such as "It ain't over 'til...
similar-sounding words or phrases, resulting in a changed meaning, is a malapropism. If there is a connection in meaning, it may be called an eggcorn. If...
mode but intended to be in drive mode. Bushism Cognition Eggcorn Lapsus Malapropism Metathesis Pun Tip of the tongue Laplanche, Jean; Pontalis, Jean-Bertrand...
his words before swapping letters around and adopting spoonerisms and malapropisms. The lexicographer Susan Rennie stated that Dahl built his new words...
#2: shot by Cary DiBartolo and then stabbed by Paulie The title is a malapropism; after Vito gives Paulie bad information about the stick-up job (saying...
hitting prowess. He was also known by the nickname "Bones", which is a malapropism for Balboni. He is also known for the "Curse of the Balboni", an idea...
sophisticated sight gags, physical routines, verbal double-talk and malapropisms. "You cannot help but notice Lewis's incredible sense of control in regards...
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