Each week, I’m going to present an amazing word. A word that
has a double meaning either directly or perhaps through origin, where is has
evolved into a new meaning, or carries a wonderful Onomatopoeic effect.
This week my amazing word is:
MALAPROPISM
I pickled MALAPROPISM because of the comical nature of a
malaprop.
The usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word
or phrase; especially: the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one
intended but ludicrously wrong in the context.
This comes from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard
Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals, was known for her verbal blunders. "He is
the very pine-apple of politeness," she exclaimed, complimenting a
courteous young man.
Example of use:
Upon tasting the wine, my date for the evening, Carey, a
blonde of considerable frontal assets, turned to our waiter, and, with a face
of unbridled disgust, released a wonderful malapropism,
“mister, this wine is cocked!”
Some famous malaprops:
"Republicans
understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child." Dan
Quayle, Vice President
"Your ambition -
is that right - is to abseil across the English channel?" Cilla Black
Did you spot my intentional slip?
