Malapropism - Examples and Definition of Malapropism

Have you ever heard someone say something that almost makes sense, but then you realize they’ve used the wrong word? Maybe they meant to say “epitome” but said “episcopal”? That, my friends, is often a malapropism, a delightfully humorous slip of the tongue that adds color and comedy to language. Let’s explore this fascinating literary device.

What is a Malapropism? A Definition

A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect. It’s not simply a mistake; it’s a specific type of mistake where the substituted word is close in pronunciation to the intended word, but completely inappropriate in context. The result is often comical, highlighting a speaker’s misunderstanding or lack of precision.

Simple Examples of Malapropism

Here are a few quick examples to illustrate:

Instead of saying “extremely” someone might say “extinctly.”
Saying “pineapple” when you mean “pinnacle.”
Using “illiterate” when you mean “invaluable.”

See how the wrong word sounds similar to the right one, but doesn’t fit the sentence’s meaning? That’s the essence of a malapropism.

The History Behind the Humor

The term “malapropism” itself comes from a character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 1775 play, The Rivals. Mrs. Malaprop is a delightfully eccentric woman known for her ridiculous misuse of words. Sheridan created her as a parody of fashionable, yet poorly educated, women of the time. She consistently substituted words, creating humorous situations and revealing her character’s pretentiousness. Her lines, filled with these now-named “malapropisms,” quickly became famous and gave the literary device its name.

How Malapropism Differs From Other Language Errors

It’s important to distinguish malapropisms from other common language mistakes. Here’s a breakdown:

Mispronunciation: This is simply saying a word incorrectly. For example, saying “nucular” instead of “nuclear” is a mispronunciation. It’s about how you say the word, not which word you choose.
Slips of the tongue (spoonerism): A spoonerism is the transposition of sounds between two words, like saying “a blushing crow” instead of “a crushing blow.” It’s a sound swap, not a word substitution.
Simple mistake: Simply using the wrong word without a similar sounding alternative. Saying “I want a apple” instead of “I want an apple” is a grammatical error, but not a malapropism.

Malapropisms are unique because they demonstrate a misunderstanding conveyed through a similar-sounding substitute. It’s not just an accident; it is a specific kind of accident.

Malapropism in Literature and Everyday Speech

While originating in literature, malapropisms frequently pop up in everyday conversation, often unintentionally. Authors and playwrights, however, intentionally employ malapropisms to create comedic effects or reveal character traits.

Literary Examples

Let’s look at some literary examples beyond Mrs. Malaprop:

In Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, a character describes someone as having “a most imposing figurehead” when he means “figure.”
Shakespeare, though predating the term ‘malapropism,’ often used similar comedic substitutions. For instance, in Much Ado About Nothing, Dogberry says “comparisons are odious” when he means “comparisons are offensive.”
Modern authors continue to utilize malapropisms for humor, character development, and satirical effect.

Everyday Examples

Here are some common, though usually unintentional, malapropisms you might hear:

“He’s the pine of my eye” instead of “apple of my eye.”
“I need to suppress my appetite” instead of “supplant.”
“Let’s dance around the issue” instead of “dance around the topic.”
“That’s a very inflammable argument,” when they mean “infamous.”

The Purpose of Malapropism

Malapropisms aren’t just funny mistakes. They serve several purposes:

Comedy: The most obvious purpose – they are inherently humorous.
Characterization: A character who consistently uses malapropisms can be portrayed as ignorant, pretentious, or simply eccentric.
Satire: Malapropisms can be used to satirize social trends, educational shortcomings, or the misuse of language.
Emphasis: In certain contexts, a well-placed malapropism can draw attention to a particular idea or theme.

Advanced Examples and Nuances

Malapropisms can be surprisingly sophisticated. The humor often lies not just in the substitution, but in the implication of the wrong word. Consider these:

Intended Word	Malapropism	Effect
Ambiguous	Ambiguousness	The speaker accidentally treats the abstract concept of ambiguity as a tangible noun, humorously suggesting it can be measured.
Recollection	Reminiscence	The substitution softens the sense of memory, turning an act of remembering into a nostalgic recollection.
Fortitude	Fortnight	The speaker humorously implies that bravery lasts only two weeks, creating a comic contrast to the idea of enduring strength.

These examples demonstrate how malapropisms can add layers of meaning and humor beyond the initial mistake.

Malapropism in Different Contexts

Malapropisms aren’t limited to formal writing or dramatic performances. They appear in various contexts:

Political speeches: Unintentional malapropisms by politicians can become infamous and often viral.
Advertising: Advertisers sometimes deliberately use malapropisms to create memorable and humorous slogans.
Stand-up comedy: Comedians frequently incorporate malapropisms into their routines for comedic effect.
Children’s language: Children learning to speak often make malapropisms as they experiment with sounds and meanings.

The versatility of malapropism speaks to its enduring appeal and relevance.

So, the next time you hear someone misuse a word in a funny way, remember Mrs. Malaprop and appreciate the delightful world of linguistic humor. Malapropism is not simply a mistake; it is a testament to the playful and unpredictable nature of language itself.