10 March 2013

malapropism

[mal-uh-prop-iz-uhm]

noun
1. an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, especially by the confusion of words that are similar in sound.
2. an instance of this, as in “Lead the way and we’ll precede.”
Origin:
1840–50; Malaprop + -ism

Related forms
mal·a·prop·is·tic, adjective

Example sentence:

Like any good malapropism, this was a blunder that encapsulated a truth.

Today’s aphorism

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

– Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

On this day

10 March 1917 – British forces drive Turkish forces out of Baghdad, taking control of the city.

10 March 1940 – birth of Carlos Ray Norris, aka Chuck Norris, American actor, martial artist and invincible superhero.