ESA Pedia: Malapropisms

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Hello, ESAholics!

ESA FKIP Universitas Riau is excited to present another informative topic through ESA Pedia to support your English learning journey. In this October edition, we will explore Malapropism, the use of an incorrect word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a different meaning. Malapropisms can create humorous or confusing situations, making them an interesting part of language and communication. Through this edition, you will discover the definition of malapropism, how to recognize it, and some examples to help you understand how it works in everyday language.

 Definition

A malapropism is the use of an incorrect word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a completely different meaning. It often happens accidentally and can create funny or confusing situations. In literature, writers sometimes use malapropisms intentionally to create humor in their characters' dialogue.

How to Recognize Malapropism

You can recognize a malapropism through these characteristics:

·     Similar pronunciation: The incorrect word sounds similar to the intended word.

·    Different meanings: The two words have different meanings, making the sentence sound unusual or funny.

·   Incorrect context: The word does not make sense in the situation, even though it sounds similar to the correct word.

·   Similar word patterns: The words may have the same number of syllables, similar letters, or the same part of speech.

Remember: A malapropism is not just any mistake in word choice. The incorrect word must sound similar to the word the speaker intended to use.

Examples of Malapropism

Example 1:

·   Incorrect: "He is the pineapple of politeness!"

·  Correct: "He is the pinnacle of politeness!"

·  Explanation: Pineapple is a fruit, while pinnacle means the highest point or level of achievement. The similar sounds create a humorous effect.

Example 2:

·       Incorrect: "She's as headstrong as an allegory."

·       Correct: "She's as headstrong as an alligator."

·       Explanation: An allegory is a story with a hidden meaning, while an alligator is a large reptile. The incorrect word creates a funny comparison.

Example 3:

·       Incorrect: "He is amphibious."

·       Correct: "He is ambidextrous."

·   Explanation: Amphibious describes something that can operate on land and in water, while ambidextrous describes someone who can use both hands equally well.

Example 4:

·       Incorrect: "I was most putrified with astonishment."

·       Correct: "I was most petrified with astonishment."

·       Explanation: Putrified relates to decay, while petrified means extremely frightened or shocked. The similar sounds make the mistake noticeable.


Source: Grammarly

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