Malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an amusing effect. The term comes from the French “mal à propos,” meaning “poorly placed.” Malapropisms are named after Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 1775 play “The Rivals,” who frequently misused words to humorous effect. Malapropisms, while often occurring unintentionally in everyday speech, can also be employed intentionally as a literary device to create humorous characters or situations.
Malapropism examples
| Malapropism | Intended meaning |
| I have a photogenic memory, so I always remember faces. | I have a photographic memory, so I always remember faces. |
| The new employee was thrown into the fire from day one, but he remained comatose under pressure. | The new employee was thrown into the fire from day one, but he remained composed under pressure. |
| The couple’s relationship was on the rocks, but they managed to rekindle their flaming passion. | The couple’s relationship was on the rocks, but they managed to rekindle their flaming passion. |
What is a malapropism?
A malapropism is a linguistic error that occurs when a word is mistakenly replaced with a similar-sounding word, often resulting in a humorous or nonsensical statement. While malapropisms are studied in linguistics, writers, speakers, and performers also intentionally employ them as literary devices to create comedic effects.
“Malapropism” originates from Mrs. Malaprop’s character in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 1775 play “The Rivals.” Mrs. Malaprop is notorious for her frequent misuse of words, and her name is derived from the French phrase “mal à propos,” which means “inappropriately” or “unsuitably.”
Malapropism example from Mrs. Malaprop
Malapropism: Sure, if I reprehend anything in this world, it is the use of my oracular tongue and a nice derangement of epitaphs!
Intended meaning: Sure, if I apprehend anything in this world, it is the use of my vernacular tongue and a nice arrangement of epithets!
Context: This quote is spoken by the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 1775 play “The Rivals.” Mrs. Malaprop is known for frequently misusing words, often resulting in humorous and nonsensical statements.
Malapropism examples
Malapropisms are frequently employed as a humorous device in literary works such as comedic plays and novels. They also appear in various forms of popular culture, particularly in sitcoms and movies.
Writers and creators use malapropisms in these artistic contexts to generate humorous situations, emphasize specific character traits, or add depth to the dynamics of a conversation. For instance, a character’s use of malapropisms in literature might portray them as charming, pretentious, or out of their element, depending on the context and the author’s intent.
Malapropisms in literature
In literature, malapropisms are often used as a comedic device or to illustrate a character’s personality, education level, or social status. Some well-known examples include:
- Mrs. Malaprop, in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s play “The Rivals” (1775), frequently misuses words, leading to humorous and nonsensical statements.
- Dogberry is the bumbling constable in William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing (1598-1599), who makes numerous malapropisms throughout the play.
- The character of Archie Bunker in the 1970s American sitcom “All in the Family,” known for his frequent malapropisms and misuse of words.
- The character of Norm Crosby, a comedian who built his career around using malapropisms in his stand-up routines.
Malapropism example in literature
Malapropism: He is the very pineapple of politeness!
Intended meaning: He is the very pinnacle of politeness!
Context: This malapropism is spoken by Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s play “The Rivals” (1775). In this quote, Mrs. Malaprop intends to praise a character’s manners by referring to him as the pinnacle or epitome of politeness. However, she mistakenly uses the word “pineapple” instead of “pinnacle,” creating a humorous and nonsensical statement.
This malapropism highlights Mrs. Malaprop’s character as someone who frequently misuses words, often resulting in comedic situations. Sheridan employs this literary device to create humor and showcase Mrs. Malaprop’s pretentiousness and lack of education, which are central to her character’s role in the play.
Malapropisms in media
In popular culture, such as sitcoms, movies, and other forms of media, malapropisms are often used for humorous effect or to create memorable characters. Some examples include:
- Joey Tribbiani, from the TV show “Friends” (1994-2004), often misuses words and phrases, leading to humorous situations.
- Michael Scott, from the TV show “The Office” (2005-2013), frequently makes malapropisms and misuses words, adding to his character’s humor and quirkiness.
- The character of Ricky in the TV show “Trailer Park Boys” (2001-2018) is known for his frequent malapropisms and mispronunciations.
- The character of Officer Crabtree in the British sitcom “‘Allo ‘Allo!” (1982-1992), who regularly makes malapropisms while attempting to speak French.
Malapropism example in media
Malapropism: I have a photogenic memory.
Intended meaning: I have a photographic memory.
Context: This malapropism is often used in sitcoms, movies, or by characters portrayed as less intelligent or educated. The character means to say that they have a “photographic” memory, which is an exceptional ability to recall visual information in great detail as if the person has taken a photograph with their mind.
However, by mistakenly using the word “photogenic,” which means being aesthetically suitable for being photographed, the character creates a humorous statement that suggests their memory is attractive or pleasing to photograph.
This malapropism is often employed in media to create comedic situations, emphasize a character’s quirks or intellectual limitations, and engage the audience through relatable or memorable phrases. In this context, it can also make characters more endearing or lighten the mood of a scene.
Malaphor vs malapropism
A malapropism is a linguistic error that occurs when a word is mistakenly replaced with a similar-sounding word, often resulting in a humorous or nonsensical statement. The term “malapropism” originates from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s 1775 play “The Rivals,” who is notorious for frequently misusing words.
Key points about malapropisms:
- They involve the misuse of a single word.
- The mistakenly used word often sounds similar to the intended word.
- Malapropisms can create humorous or nonsensical statements.
- They are often used as a literary device for comedic effect.
Example: I have a photogenic memory (instead of “photographic memory.)
A malaphor is a mixture of two idioms, metaphors, or clichés, creating a new phrase that is often nonsensical or humorous. Malaphors occur when parts of two different phrases are combined, resulting in an illogical or amusing statement. The term “malaphor” is a blend of “malapropism” and “metaphor,” coined by Lawrence Harrison in a 1976 Washington Post article.
Key points about malaphors:
- They involve the mixing of two phrases or idioms.
- The resulting phrase is often nonsensical or humorous.
- Malaphors can be created intentionally or unintentionally.
- They are often used for humorous effect in literature, media, and everyday speech.
Example: We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it. (mixing “we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it” and “don’t burn your bridges”)
While both malapropisms and malaphors can create humorous or nonsensical statements, the main difference is that malapropisms involve the misuse of a single word, while malaphors involve the mixing of two phrases or idioms.
Malaphor vs Mondegreen
A malaphor is a blend of two idioms, metaphors, or clichés, resulting in a new phrase that is often nonsensical or humorous. It occurs when parts of two different phrases are combined, creating an illogical or amusing statement. The term “malaphor” itself is a combination of “malapropism” (the misuse of a word) and “metaphor” (a figure of speech).
Key points about malaphors:
- They are a mixture of two phrases or idioms.
- The resulting phrase is often nonsensical or humorous.
- Malaphors can be created intentionally or unintentionally.
- They are often used for humorous effect in literature, media, and everyday speech.
Example: It’s not rocket surgery. (mixing “it’s not rocket science” and “it’s not brain surgery”)
A mondegreen is a misinterpretation or misunderstanding of a phrase, often in a song lyric, that gives it a new and different meaning. American writer Sylvia Wright coined the term “mondegreen” in a 1954 essay describing her childhood misunderstanding of a Scottish ballad.
Key points about mondegreens:
- They are misinterpretations or misunderstandings of phrases, often in song lyrics.
- The misinterpreted phrase often sounds similar to the original phrase.
- Mondegreens can create new and sometimes humorous meanings.
- They are often the result of mishearing or misinterpreting audio information.
Example: Excuse me while I kiss this guy. (misinterpretation of “Excuse me while I kiss the sky” from Jimi Hendrix’s song “Purple Haze”)
The main difference between malaphors and mondegreens is that malaphors blend two phrases or idioms, while mondegreens are misinterpretations of existing phrases, often in song lyrics. Both can create humorous or interesting new meanings, but malaphors result from mixing phrases, while mondegreens result from mishearing or misunderstanding.