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 video literally
Literally

 

A word that (literally) drives people nuts

play fun funner funnest
Fun, Funner, Funnest

 

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

play body parts video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

 

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

play alright allright video
Alright vs. All Right

 

Is 'alright' all right?

play calendar that says day today
Is It 'day today' or 'day-to-day'?

 

What about Day Tomorrow?

play video ie vs eg
i.e. vs. e.g.

 

Often used, often confused. Here's some guidance and insight.