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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):

Discover how Mondegreens got their name.

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