What is a malapropism?

The definition of malapropism

The word “malapropism” means “to use a word that sounds like the intended word but in the wrong context.”¹ So if you use a word that sounds similar to another word incorrectly, that’s a malapropism. Malapropism can be used by mistake, or one can use it for a humorous effect.

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The term came from Richard Brinsley’s 1775 play The Rivals. A character in the play was named Mrs. Malaprop, whose name came from the French word “mal à propos,” meaning “inappropriate.” In the play, Mrs. Malaprop frequently confused similar-sounding words like “pineapple” instead of “pinnacle.” Brinsley used malapropisms to add comedy to his play. Malapropism is also known as “dogberryism” or “acyrologia.” The term “dogberryism” also came from a play—in Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing, a character named Dogberry frequently uses malapropisms. Malapropisms were used in Shakespeare’s play for comedic effect, too.

Malapropism examples

There are dozens of malapropisms out there. Here are some common malapropisms that you may hear (or use) every day:

• “All intensive purposes”

The actual phrase is “all intents and purposes.” If you say, “all intensive purposes,” that’s a malapropism.

• “Nipped in the butt”

The actual phrase is “nipped in the bud.” Saying “nipped in the butt” is a malapropism.

• “Statue” and “statute”

Some people confuse the word “statue” and “statute.” For example, many people say, “statue of limitations” instead of “statute of limitations.” A statue is a life-size figure of a person or an animal. A statute is a law.

• “Jive” and “jibe”

Many people confuse the words “jive” and “jibe.” “Jibe” is used to describe two or more things that complement each other, while “jive” is a style of dance. If you were to say milk and cookies jive together, that would be a malapropism.

• “Eludes” and “exudes”

The words “eludes” and “exudes” are sometimes confused. The word “elude” means to escape from something. The word “exudes” means to display something. If you were to say, “He eludes confidence,” that would be a malapropism.

• “Tandem” and “tangent”

“Tandem” and “tangent” are sometimes confused. “Tandem” refers to two or more things working together. “Tangent” refers to a change of thought or direction. If your father starts rambling and you say, “He went off on a tandem,” that would be a malapropism.

• “Provocative and “prerogative”

It’s easy to confuse the words “provocative” and “prerogative.” The word “provocative” means to provoke or annoy, while “prerogative” means a privilege or a right. If you say, “I’m going to exercise my provocative,” that would be a malapropism.

• “Exorcise” and “exercise”

The words “exorcise” and “exercise” are frequently confused. “Exorcise” means to drive out or expel something, while “exercise” means to get physical activity. If you were to say, “I hope he exercises his demons,” that would be a malapropism.

Why it’s important to understand malapropisms

Understanding malapropisms can save you from embarrassing situations. Using the wrong words can be embarrassing, and if you use the wrong words in an academic or professional situation, it may affect your grades or your reputation. Since malapropism is sometimes used for comedy, understanding it will help you be in on the joke.

Malapropism vs. spoonerism

Both malapropisms and spoonerisms involve the mix-up of words. However, spoonerisms are different from malapropisms. A spoonerism is when someone mistakenly mixes up the consonants of two words. If you’re stressed or in a rush, you might accidentally use a spoonerism. For example, if you accidentally say, “lip my zips” instead of “zip my lips,” that’s a spoonerism.

How to avoid malapropisms

The best way to avoid malapropisms is to expand your vocabulary. When you know the definition of a word, you’re less likely to misuse it. Additionally, it’s important to research the definition of a word if you’re not sure of its meaning. With written work, make sure to proofread it carefully. It’s very easy to confuse a word like “statute” and “statue” which are different by a single letter. To avoid using malapropisms, try using a grammar checker like Microsoft Editor. You can add this grammar checker as an extension to your browser, so if you’re sending emails or posting online, it will make sure you’re writing like a pro.

Become better at proofreading your work by learning about other common grammatical errors and how you can avoid them.

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