malaprop
Unintentional word substitutor
A malaprop is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, usually with absurd results: saying for all intensive purposes instead of for all intents and purposes, or escape goat instead of scapegoat.
The term comes from Mrs.
Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's 1775 play *The Rivals*, who habitually mangled words.
Also called a malapropism.
Foolish, costly mistake
howler · blooper · clanger · solecism · misstep · faux pas · bungle · fumble
Improper application
- misapplicationIncorrect or improper usage
- misnomerIncorrectly applied designation
- mislabelingIncorrect identification marking
- misemploymentImproper or wasteful use
wrong word · near-miss · sound-alike · paronym · eggcorn · mondegreen
Amusing quality
- witClever, inventive humor
- punWordplay using double meanings
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
- farceAbsurd, laughable situation
satire · silliness · absurdity · Sheridan · Archie Bunker · verbal humor · comic relief · buffoonery
Confusion from error
- muddleDisordered, bewildered state
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
- jumbleConfused disorderly collection
- misapprehensionIncorrect belief or understanding
bewilderment · perplexity · tangle · snarl
blunder
Foolish, costly mistake
flub · howler · blooper · clanger · solecism · misstep · faux pas · bungle · fumble · error
misuse
Improper application
- misapplicationIncorrect or improper usage
- misnomerIncorrectly applied designation
- mislabelingIncorrect identification marking
misemployment · wrong word · near-miss · sound-alike · paronym · eggcorn · mondegreen
humor
Amusing quality
farce · satire · silliness · absurdity · Sheridan · Archie Bunker · verbal humor · comic relief · buffoonery · drollery
mix-up
Confusion from error
- muddleDisordered, bewildered state
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
- jumbleConfused disorderly collection
misapprehension · bewilderment · perplexity · tangle · snarl
- language errorsspelling error, spelling mistake, typo, misspelling, syntax error
- speech errorsslip of the tongue, mispronunciation, spoonerism, spoonerisms, Freudian slip
malapropeloquence
Persuasive verbal grace
wordsmith · silver tongue · well-spoken · erudition · verbal dexterity
malapropmispronunciation
Incorrect vocal rendering
spoonerism · slip of the tongue · stutter · mumble · lisp