play mrs malaprop
Words at Play

What is a Malaprop?

Editor Peter Sokolowski will tell you all the perpendiculars


A malapropism, or malaprop, is the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase, especially the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in context—like polo bears instead of polar bears.

Up next

play mrs malaprop
What is a Malaprop?

 

We'll tell you all the perpendiculars

play illustrated notebook that says everyday vs every day
'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

Why don't they call it the Merriam-Webster comma?

play hot mess
Hot Mess

 

Our research turned up two archaic literal meanings

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.

play fun funner funnest
Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

Why does it sound strange to say 'funner' or 'funnest?'

play alright allright video
Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?