Building a Better Vocabulary

were not uncommon in English literature. The word became a

true toponym in the late 18th century, when it began to be used

as a common noun to describe particularly foul, coarse, and

abusive language.

Malapropism (noun)

A ridiculous and often humorous misuse of words, particularly words that

sound similar but are different in meaning.

z Malapropism came into our language from an 18th-century

English comedy, The Rivals, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. In this

play, a character named Mrs. Malaprop misuses words, often to

humorous effect.

z Mrs. Malaprop’s name comes in part from the French word apropos,

literally meaning “to the purpose.” The word is used to mean

³¿WWLQJDSSURSULDWHSHUWLQHQW ́MalLVDSUH¿[WKDWPHDQV³EDG

evil, or ill.” The combination of the two means “inappropriate”

or “inopportune.”

z We hear malapropisms come out of the mouths of children,

celebrities, sports stars, politicians—and even ourselves. A famous

example comes from Richard Daley, former mayor of Chicago,

who once said, “The police are not here to create disorder; they’re

here to preserve disorder” (yourdictionary.com).

1. You might think this political practice had faded into history, but it’s still
   used in local, state, and national elections today.


2. Rose is such a __ that she refuses to purchase a computer or
   even a cell phone.

Review Questions