Malapropism

Etymology of Malapropism

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The term “malapropism” derives its name from the fictional character, Mrs. Malaprop, created by the Irish playwright, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, in his 1775 play, The Rivals.

Mrs. Malaprop is a comedic character known for her tendency to misuse words and unintentionally substitute one word for another, resulting in humorous and nonsensical statements.

The term “malapropism” was coined as a linguistic term to describe the humorous misuse of words in this manner. However, it is a combination of the French word “mal à propos,” meaning “inappropriate” or “ill-suited,” with the suffix “-ism,” indicating a particular style or tendency.

With time, “malapropism” has become a widely recognized term in English to describe the unintentional misuse of words, adding a touch of comedy and confusion to everyday language.

Meanings of Malapropism

Malapropism has two main meanings.

The first refers to the unintentional misuse or substitution of words, often resulting in humorous and nonsensical statements. This occurs when a person mistakenly substitutes a word with a similar-sounding but incorrect word.

The second meaning of malapropism is more broadly applied to any type of verbal mistake or error, including mispronunciations, misspellings, or grammatical errors.
In both cases, malapropisms add an element of comedy and often highlight the speaker’s lack of linguistic accuracy or awareness.

Malapropism in Grammar

“Malapropism” is a noun be used in both singular and plural forms. The plural form is “malapropisms.”

It refers to a specific linguistic mistake or error and can be used in various contexts to describe instances of such errors.
Colloquially, the verb form “to malaprop” is sometimes used to describe the act of making a malapropism.
Example: “He malapropped his way through the speech, confusing several important points.” This usage is not strictly grammatically correct and may be considered informal or nonstandard.

Definition of Malapropism

As a literary device, malapropism refers to the intentional or unintentional use of a word that sounds similar but has a different meaning, often for humorous or satirical effects. It is often used to create comedic or absurd situations, and can be a form of wordplay that highlights a character’s lack of intelligence or social status.

Types of Malapropism

Type	Definition	Example
Similar-sounding words	This type occurs when a word is substituted with another word that sounds similar but has a different meaning.	“I have a photographic memory. I can remember things like they were elephants.” (instead of “vivid”)
Idiomatic expressions	Malapropisms can involve the incorrect use or blending of idiomatic expressions, resulting in comical or nonsensical statements.	“We need to nip it in the butt.” (instead of “nip it in the bud”)
Misunderstood or misused words	In this type, a word is used incorrectly due to a misunderstanding of its meaning or context.	“The situation is really grave, we’re dancing on a volcano!” (instead of “treading on thin ice”)
Invented words	Malapropisms involve the creation of new words or the alteration of existing ones, often resulting in humorous and nonsensical terms.	“We need to be more pacific in our negotiations.” (instead of “specific”)
Unintended wordplay	This type occurs when a word is unintentionally used in a way that creates a pun or double entendre.	“I’m going to the store to buy some butter and bread. I hope they have a good loafer.” (referring to a good “loaf of bread” but sounding like a comfortable shoe)

Common Examples of Malapropism

Here are some common examples of malapropisms:

“I resent your suppository remarks!” (supposedly instead of “supposed”)

“I’ll have the salmon, please. Rare.” (rare instead of “rarely”)
“He’s a wolf in cheap clothing.” (cheap instead of “sheep”)
“Don’t put the cart before the horse.” (cart instead of “carte”)

“I’m not a dessert person, I prefer something more sensual.” (sensual instead of “substantial”)
“I’m not the kind of person to stand around and twiddle my dumbs.” (dumbs instead of “thumbs”)
“We need to be more pacific about our plans.” (pacific instead of “specific”)

“She’s as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile.” (allegory instead of “alligator”)
“He’s suffering from a severe castration complex.” (castration instead of “inferiority”)
“I could care less about that.” (when the correct phrase is “I couldn’t care less”)

Literary Examples of Malapropism

Mrs. Malaprop in “The Rivals” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan: Mrs. Malaprop is one of the most famous examples of malapropism in literature. She consistently uses words that sound similar but have different meanings, creating humorous misunderstandings. For example, she says, “He is the very pineapple of politeness,” when she means “pinnacle.” This misuse of words adds comic relief and character depth to the play.
Dogberry in “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare: Dogberry, a comical constable, is known for his amusing misuse of words. In one instance, he says, “Our watch, sir, have indeed comprehended two auspicious persons,” instead of “apprehended two suspicious persons.” This malapropism highlights Dogberry’s lack of understanding and adds a comedic element to the play.
Archie Bunker in “All in the Family” (TV show): While not from literature, Archie Bunker is a famous character known for his malapropisms. In one episode, he says, “It’s a proven fact that capital punishment is a detergent to crime!” instead of “deterrent.” Archie’s malapropisms reflect his working-class background and limited education, creating humor and emphasizing his personality traits.

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