A malapropism is the use of an incorrect word sounding similar to the word a person originally wished to use. The word malapropism has been derived from English Literature. The famous playwright, Sheridan in his play The Rivals in 1775 introduced a character known as Mrs. Malaprop who would use incorrect words that sounded similar to the word she originally wished to use. The result was a hysterical comedy.
The name is derived from the French mal à propos, which means inappropriate (we also have the word malapropos in English) Here are some classic examples of her malapropisms.
-
“…promise to forget this fellow – to illiterate him, I say, quite from your memory.”
[obliterate]
- “O, he will dissolve my mystery!”
[resolve]
- “He is the very pine-apple of politeness!”
[pinnacle]
- “I have since laid Sir Anthony’s preposition before her;”
[proposition]
- “Oh! it gives me the hydrostatics to such a degree.”
[hysterics]
- “I hope you will represent her to the captain as an object not altogether illegible.”
[eligible]
- “…she might reprehend the true meaning of what she is saying.”
[comprehend]
- “…she’s as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of Nile.”
[alligator]
- “I am sorry to say, Sir Anthony, that my affluence over my niece is very small.”
[influence]
- “Why, murder’s the matter! slaughter’s the matter! killing’s the matter! – but he can tell you the perpendiculars.”
[particulars]
- “Nay, no delusions to the past – Lydia is convinced;”
[allusions]
- “…behold, this very day, I have interceded another letter from the fellow;”
[intercepted]
- “I thought she had persisted from corresponding with him;”
[desisted]
- “His physiognomy so grammatical!”
[phraseology]
- “I am sure I have done everything in my power since I exploded the affair;”
[exposed]
- “I am sorry to say, she seems resolved to decline every particle that I enjoin her.”
[article]
- “…if ever you betray what you are entrusted with… you forfeit my malevolence for ever…”
[benevolence]
- “Your being Sir Anthony’s son, captain, would itself be a sufficient accommodation;”
[recommendation]
- “Sure, if I reprehend any thing in this world it is the use of my oracular tongue, and a nice derangement of epitaphs!”
[apprehend, vernacular, arrangement, epithets]
Source: http://www.fun-with-words.com/mala_malapropisms.html
One response to “Malapropism”
Love your blog… Always go back when I get time.. good and intresting things to learn and know…
absolutely love the ‘malapropism’ part…
Harleen Bhatia
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