What Are “Malapropisms?”

Have you ever heard someone say something that sounded just a bit…off? The entire sentence was perfect, but then one word confused you into Bolivian? Whoops, we mean oblivion! These types of mistakes are called malapropisms and are as interesting as they are amusing!

Malapropisms occur when someone uses an incorrect word instead of another similar-sounding one, resulting in a nonsensical, often humorous sentence. An example of malapropism is when someone says, “dance a flamingo” instead of “dance a flamenco.”

Below, we’ll explain what malapropisms are and how the term originated. We will also provide helpful (and funny) examples to help you get a more in-depth understanding of these quizzical mishaps.

Let’s begin!

“Malapropism” Definition

Malapropism is the incorrect use of one word instead of another similar-sounding one, either accidentally or deliberately, for comedic effect. An example of malapropism is calling someone a wolf in cheap clothing instead of a wolf in sheep’s clothing. 

Keep in mind that the defining characteristic of malapropism is the use of a word that sounds similar to the original and correct word but renders the phrase ridiculous or nonsensical. To clarify, saying historical (“pertaining to history”) instead of historic (“important in history) is not a malapropism. However, using the word hysterical (“extremely funny or emotional”) when you mean historical is malapropism.

Origin of “Malapropism”

In 1775, Richard Brinsley Sheridan wrote a play titled The Rivals. In it, a character named Mrs. Malaprop frequently and humorously commits verbal gaffes as she mistakenly uses one word instead of another. For example, she once described a man as the “pineapple of politeness” instead of the “pinnacle of politeness.” Sheridan took inspiration for this character’s name from the French loanword malapropos (originally “mal à propos”), which means “inappropriate or inopportune.”

Let’s break down the grammar of malapropism and its related words.

Malapropism is a noun that refers to linguistic blunders when one uses the wrong word in place of another in a phrase or sentence.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, malapropos can function as an adjective or adverb. As we stated earlier, it means “inappropriately.”

Then there’s the word malaprop. As a noun, it means “an example of malapropism,” and as an adjective, it means “marked by the use of malapropisms.”

“Malapropism” Examples

Malapropisms often occur as errors in natural speech. Put simply, people typically say malapropisms unintentionally. However, they’re sometimes purposely used in writing for comedic effects. Find some examples below.

Malapropisms in Literature

Real-life Malapropisms

Malapropisms regularly happen in real life, too. Here are a few humorous examples:

Avoid These Potential Malapropisms

Malapropisms that occur in real life tend to be remembered. Below are a few pairs of words that you should know well to avoid embarrassing blunders.

Erratic vs. Erotic

Erratic: “Unpredictable or inconstant”

Erotic: “Relating to sexual excitement or desire”

Incredible vs. Incredulous

Incredible: “Extraordinary or wonderful”

Incredulous: “Unable to believe something”

Martial vs. Marital

Marital: “Relating to marriage”

Martial: “Suited for war or a warrior”

Prosperous vs. Preposterous

Prosperous: “Marked by success or financial well-being”

Preposterous: “Absurd or contrary to reason or common sense”

Stature vs. Statue

Statue: “A three-dimensional representation of someone or something”

Stature: “Natural height” or “status gained by growth or achievement”

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