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Malapropisms
This is the hilarious world of malapropisms, verbal slips and gaffes, Bushisms, Colemanballs, and, of course, Mrs. Malaprop.
We all know that when someone misuses a word, the result can induce hysterics, unless of course it is we who have made the blunder, in which case embarrassment it the more likely effect. When an incorrect word is used like this, a malapropism is born. Here is a handful of genuine malapropisms gathered from across the Internet:
- He had to use a fire distinguisher.
- Dad says the monster is just a pigment of my imagination.
- Isn't that an expensive pendulum round that man's neck?
- Good punctuation means not to be late.
- He's a wolf in cheap clothing.
- Michelangelo painted the Sixteenth Chapel.
- My sister has extra-century perception.
- "Don't" is a contraption.
- More Funny Malapropisms
The word malapropism comes from the fictitious character of Mrs. Malaprop. Find out more about Mrs. Malaprop and her original malapropisms.
There is no shortage of hilarious malapropism slips from the world of famous celebrities, TV presenters, sports stars, commentators, and so on. Take a look at our own selection of these blunders on our famous malapropisms page.
Don't forget to visit our online wordplay books section and browse through the malapropisms books there.
Mondegreens
Mondegreens are in a sense the opposite of malapropisms; they result from something being misheard rather than missaid.
Here's a few misheard phrases and song lyrics (the first three are well-known examples):
- "Excuse me while I kiss this guy."
"Excuse me while I kiss the sky."
Purple Haze, Jimi Hendrix
- "There's a bathroom on the right."
"There's a bad moon on the rise."
Bad Moon Rising, Creedence Clearwater
- "The girl with colitis goes by."
"The girl with kaleidoscope eyes."
Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, The Beatles
- "Crimean River."
"Cry Me a River."
Cry Me a River, Julie London
- "Bring me an iron lung."
"Bring me a higher love."
Higher Love, Steve Winwood
- "Mama don't take my clothes 'n' throw 'em away."
"Mama don't take my Kodachrome away."
Kodachrome, Paul Simon
- "You make the best homemade stew around."
"You make the best of what's still around."
When The World Is Running Down, The Police
- "Very close veins."
"Varicose veins."
- "Paper View TV."
"Pay-per-view TV."
- More Mondegreens !!!
Discover how Mondegreens got their name.
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