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malapropism

The definition of a malapropism is using the wrong word for something, especially one that sounds similar.

(noun)

An example of malapropism was Archie Bunker from the American television sitcom All in the Family saying "Patience is a virgin," when he meant to say "Patience is a virtue."

See malapropism in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

ludicrous misuse of words, esp. through confusion caused by resemblance in sound
an instance of this (Ex.: progeny for prodigy)

Origin: < Mrs. Malaprop + -ism

See malapropism in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Ludicrous misuse of a word, especially by confusion with one of similar sound.
An example of such misuse.

Origin:

Origin: From malaprop

Related Forms:

malˌa·propˈi·an (-prŏpˈē-ən) adjective

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