Malapropism
noun /ˈmæl.ə.prɒp.ɪ.z(ə)m/ — Mistaken use of a similar-sounding word.
Definition
The mistaken or comic use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one — producing an often absurd result. Malapropisms can be accidental (revealing a gap in vocabulary) or deliberately comic.
Beyond the definition
A malapropism is a slip that reveals the gap between confidence and knowledge — the speaker certain they have the right word, the listener certain they do not. Often more charming than embarrassing.
Origin & history
Named after Mrs. Malaprop in Sheridan's play 'The Rivals' (1775), who constantly used wrong words. Her name from French 'mal à propos' (inappropriate).
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Yogi Berra was the patron saint of the malapropism: 'a nickel ain't worth a dime anymore'.
'For all intensive purposes' instead of 'all intents and purposes' is the most common malapropism in contemporary English.
She had written 'for all intensive purposes' in her draft; her editor had underlined it with what felt like a sigh.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Malapropism” when the meaning fits your context: The mistaken or comic use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one — producing an often absurd result. Malapropisms can be accidental (revealing a gap in vocabulary) or deliberately comic.
Synonyms
verbal slip, wrong word
Antonyms
precise language, correct usage
Related words
Malapropism vs spoonerism
A malapropism involves using the wrong word that sounds similar to the intended one. A spoonerism is the accidental switching of sounds between two words in a sentence.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Disconnected Reality
An adult stands in a busy office, looking confused and disconnected from colleagues.
The sense of not quite fitting in, despite being present, mirrors a malapropism, where a word is mistakenly used in place of a similar-sounding one, producing an absurd or unintended result.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Malapropism" mean?
Malapropism is noun meaning: Mistaken use of a similar-sounding word.. The mistaken or comic use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one — producing an often absurd result. Malapropisms can be accidental (revealing a gap in vocabulary) or deliberately comic.
Where does the word "Malapropism" come from?
Named after Mrs. Malaprop in Sheridan's play 'The Rivals' (1775), who constantly used wrong words. Her name from French 'mal à propos' (inappropriate).