Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: Malapropism

Episode Release Date: February 7, 2025
Host: Merriam-Webster (Peter Sokolowski)
Podcast Title: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Introduction to Malapropism

In the February 7th episode of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day, host Peter Sokolowski delves into the intriguing world of malapropism. This linguistic phenomenon not only enriches our understanding of language errors but also adds a layer of humor and creativity to everyday conversations.

Definition and Explanation

Malapropism is introduced as a noun and defined succinctly by Sokolowski:

"A malapropism is an amusing error that occurs when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds like another word, but has a very different meaning."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

This definition sets the stage for exploring how malapropisms function both as mistakes and as creative expressions within language.

Literary Example: Roald Dahl

Sokolowski highlights the use of malapropisms in literature, referencing the renowned writer Roald Dahl:

"The Welsh-born writer was a master toymaker with his wildly imaginative prose, embracing spoonerisms and malapropisms to invent scrumdiddlyumptious words that tickled the ear and fizzled on the tongue when spoken aloud."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

This example underscores Dahl's playful manipulation of language, using malapropisms to create memorable and delightful words that enhance his storytelling.

Historical Context: Mrs. Malaprop

The podcast delves into the origins of the term malapropism, tracing it back to a character from 18th-century theatre:

"Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals, was known for her verbal blunders."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

Sokolowski illustrates Mrs. Malaprop's characteristic errors with notable examples:

• "He is the very pineapple of politeness."
  — Mrs. Malaprop

  Intended Meaning: The perfect example of politeness.

• "She regretted that her affluence over her niece was small."
  — Mrs. Malaprop

  Intended Meaning: She regretted that her influence over her niece was small.

These instances demonstrate how Mrs. Malaprop's misuse of words leads to humorous and often nonsensical statements, embodying the essence of malapropism.

Etymology of Malapropism

Sokolowski provides a concise etymological background:

"The word malapropism comes from this blundering character's name, which Sheridan took from the French term mal, apropos meaning inappropriate."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

Breaking it down:

• "Mal" (French) means "bad" or "wrong."
• "Apropos" signifies "appropriate."

Combined, malapropism literally translates to a "bad use of the word," perfectly encapsulating the concept.

Conclusion and Further Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, Sokolowski encourages listeners to engage further with Merriam-Webster's resources:

"I'm Peter Sokolowski. Visit merriamwebster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups."
— Peter Sokolowski [00:00]

Listeners are invited to explore more words and linguistic insights, reinforcing the podcast's mission to provide a daily dose of word power.

Key Takeaways

• Malapropism involves the humorous misuse of words that sound similar but differ in meaning.
• Roald Dahl effectively utilized malapropisms to enrich his literary creations.
• Mrs. Malaprop from The Rivals serves as the quintessential example of this linguistic error, influencing the term's origin.
• Understanding malapropism enhances both comprehension and appreciation of language nuances.

By dissecting the multifaceted aspects of malapropism, this episode not only educates but also entertains, highlighting the playful side of language and its impact on communication.