malapropism
Definitions
The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with comic effect
词语误用（用错成发音相近的词，常产生滑稽效果）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedNamed after Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's play who constantly muddled her words. Her name was coined from French mal à propos ('badly to the purpose') — mal (bad) + à propos (to the point). A malapropism is using the wrong word that sounds almost right.
Why It Means This
A rare case of a word built from a fictional character's name (an eponym). Mrs. Malaprop would say things like 'a pineapple of politeness' (meaning 'pinnacle'). The humor comes from a word that sounds close to the intended one but means something absurd. The mal- inside her name still carries the Latin 'bad.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Saying 'dance a flamingo' instead of 'flamenco' is a classic malapropism.
- 2.
The character's malapropisms made the whole audience laugh.