Malapropism: Examples & Avoiding Language Errors
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 6 min read

Contents

  1. What is Malapropism?
  2. How Malapropisms Occur
  3. Famous Examples of Malapropism
  4. Malapropism in Literature
  5. Malapropism vs. Other Language Errors
  6. How to Avoid Malapropisms
  7. Proofreading Tips to Catch Malapropisms

Picture this - you're in the middle of an important presentation, and instead of saying you're 'bursting with excitement,' you say you're 'bursting with excrement.' Yikes! That's a classic case of malapropism. Sure, it may earn you a few laughs, but it can also distract your audience from your message. This blog will help you understand what malapropism is, why it happens, and how to avoid these amusing, yet often embarrassing, language errors.

What is Malapropism?

Malapropism sounds like a fancy term, but it's quite simple. It's when you use a word that sounds similar to the word you meant to use, but the word you used has a completely different meaning. This mix-up often leads to funny and absurd sentences. Think of it as a game of telephone, but with words!

Let's break it down:

  • Malapropism comes from a character named Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 1775 play "The Rivals." Mrs. Malaprop often mixed up words, leading to her name becoming synonymous with this language error.
  • It's all about sound. Malapropism occurs when two words sound alike but have different meanings. For example, saying "for all intensive purposes" instead of "for all intents and purposes."
  • Usually, malapropisms occur unintentionally and result in humor. They can make a statement sound silly or nonsensical, causing laughter or confusion amongst listeners or readers.

But don't worry, everyone makes language mistakes from time to time. Even famous authors and politicians have fallen victim to the tricky malapropism. We'll explore some famous examples later in this blog. For now, let's focus on understanding how malapropisms occur and how you can sidestep these linguistic landmines.

How Malapropisms Occur

Malapropisms may seem random, but they usually happen for a reason. Sometimes, our brain gets stuck on a certain sound, and we end up using a word that sounds similar to the one we intended to use. Other times, we might be unsure of the right word and make a guess based on what sounds right. Let's dig deeper into the reasons behind malapropisms:

  • Confusing similar-sounding words: English is full of words that sound alike but have different meanings, like 'compliment' and 'complement'. It's easy to mix them up, especially if you're speaking quickly or not paying close attention.
  • Lack of vocabulary knowledge: Malapropisms often happen when we try to use a word we've heard before but don't fully understand. We might use 'prescription' when we mean 'subscription', or 'prostate' instead of 'prostrate'.
  • Stress or distraction: When we're preoccupied or under pressure, our brains sometimes take shortcuts. This could lead to a slip of the tongue, resulting in a malapropism.

Now that you know how malapropisms occur, it's time to examine some real-world examples. You might be surprised to learn that even the most eloquent speakers aren't immune to this particular language snafu.

Famous Examples of Malapropism

Malapropisms aren't just limited to conversations between friends or family; they've made their way into the spotlight, too. Many public figures have unintentionally created memorable moments with their slips of the tongue. Let's take a look at some famous examples of malapropism:

  • Yogi Berra: This legendary baseball player was known for his malapropisms almost as much as his skills on the field. One of his most famous is, "Texas has a lot of electrical votes," instead of "electoral votes."
  • Archie Bunker: This character from the TV show "All in the Family" was a frequent user of malapropisms. One gem is when he referred to a "mentalpause" instead of "menopause."
  • George W. Bush: The 43rd U.S. President had a knack for creating new words, often resulting in malapropisms. A notable example is when he said "misunderestimate" instead of "underestimate."

These examples show that no one is immune to a malapropism, not even those in the public eye. But remember, it's not just about avoiding embarrassment. Understanding and avoiding malapropisms can also improve our communication skills and ensure our messages are clear and accurate.

Malapropism in Literature

Malapropism has a long and storied history in literature. Authors often use it to add humor and color to their characters, making them more relatable and human. Let's explore a few examples where malapropism takes center stage in literature:

  • Mrs. Malaprop: Yes, you guessed it! The term "malapropism" originated from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Sheridan's 1775 play, "The Rivals." Famous for her misuse of big words, she once proclaimed, "He is the very pineapple of politeness!" when she meant to say "pinnacle."
  • Dogberry: In Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," the character Dogberry is a master of malapropisms. He says, "Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons," when he intended to say "apprehended two suspicious persons."
  • Norm Crosby: This American comedian was known for his deliberate use of malapropism in his acts. He once quipped, "When you go into court, you're putting yourself in the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty."

These examples of malapropism in literature not only provide comic relief but also allow authors to give their characters a unique voice. So, while we strive to avoid malapropisms in our daily communication, we can appreciate their artistic value in storytelling.

Malapropism vs. Other Language Errors

Malapropism is a unique kind of language error, but it's not the only one out there. So, how does it differ from other language mistakes? Let's compare malapropism with two other common errors: spoonerism and eggcorns.

  • Malapropism vs. Spoonerism: Spoonerism involves switching letters or sounds between two words in a phrase. For instance, saying "You have hissed all my mystery lectures" instead of "You have missed all my history lectures" is a classic spoonerism. Malapropisms, on the other hand, involve misusing a word that sounds similar to the one you intended to use, like saying "pacific" instead of "specific."
  • Malapropism vs. Eggcorns: An eggcorn is a word or phrase that is incorrectly used but still makes sense. For example, someone might say "old-timers' disease" instead of "Alzheimer's disease." While both malapropisms and eggcorns are misuses of language, malapropisms usually create a nonsensical or humorous outcome, whereas eggcorns tend to maintain some level of sense or logic.

So, while malapropism, spoonerism, and eggcorns are all language errors, each has its own unique character. Understanding the differences can help you avoid these errors and improve your communication skills.

How to Avoid Malapropisms

Now that we've discussed what malapropisms are and how they compare to other language errors, you may be wondering, "How can I avoid these pesky malapropisms?" Don't worry — avoiding malapropisms is simpler than you might think. Here are a few strategies:

  1. Expand Your Vocabulary: The more words you know, the less likely you are to confuse them. Regularly learning new words can help reduce the chance of a malapropism slipping into your language.
  2. Slow Down: We often make language errors when we're speaking or writing too fast. Taking a moment to think about what you're trying to say can help you select the right words.
  3. Read Widely: Reading a variety of texts can expose you to new words and their correct usage. This can help you avoid misusing similar-sounding words.
  4. Ask for Feedback: If you're unsure about a word, don't be afraid to ask someone. A second set of ears can catch a malapropism before it leaves your mouth or your pen.

Remember, everyone makes language errors from time to time, so don't beat yourself up if a malapropism slips out. The key is to learn from these mistakes and use them as stepping stones to improve your language skills.

Proofreading Tips to Catch Malapropisms

So, you've got a keen interest in dodging the malapropism bullet, and you're eager to keep your writing clean and clear. But how do you spot these pesky language errors before they make it into your final draft? Here are some proofreading tips to help you catch and correct malapropisms:

  1. Wait Before You Proofread: After you finish writing, give yourself a break before starting to proofread. This helps you approach your work with fresh eyes and increases your chances of catching errors.
  2. Read Aloud: Reading your work aloud can make malapropisms more noticeable. If a sentence sounds odd or makes you stumble, it's worth a second look.
  3. Use a Dictionary: If you're unsure about a word, look it up. Confirming a word's meaning can help you avoid misusing it. Remember, malapropisms often happen when we use a word that sounds similar to the one we intended.
  4. Get a Second Opinion: Having someone else read your work can be incredibly helpful. They might catch a malapropism that you missed.

Proofreading isn't just about catching spelling or grammar mistakes. It's also about ensuring that your choice of words accurately conveys your intended meaning. By following these tips, you can help ensure your writing is free of malapropisms and as clear as possible.

If you want to further improve your language skills and avoid errors like malapropisms, we highly recommend checking out 'Wordplay' by Celina Rodriguez. This workshop offers valuable insights on how to effectively use language and wordplay in your writing, helping you to communicate more clearly and creatively.