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 how to read a french menu video
How to Read a French Menu

 

How to 'amuse-bouche' without begging pardon for your French

play serial comma
The Serial Comma Explained

 

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

play backward index mystery
The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

play ismo merriam webster one
Some Odd Words with ISMO: "The One-derful Won"

 

Comedian ISMO tries to figure out 'one' and 'two'

play video healthy vs healthful
Healthy vs. Healthful

 

Why both words are equally good for you.