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What's the word for the accidental substitution of a similar sounding word for the intended?
The word you're looking for
A malapropism is when you use the wrong word because it sounds similar to the one you meant. It is often funny, because the result sounds almost right but has the wrong meaning.
Other words that fit
Use this in more formal or linguistic writing for a slip of the tongue.
Use this when the mistaken word or phrase sounds similar and still makes sense to the speaker.
Use this in psychology or psychoanalysis when the mistake is seen as a revealing slip.
Why this word
The best word for this is usually malapropism. It means an accidental wrong word choice, often because it sounds like the intended word. People also use it for humorous speech mistakes in books, films, and everyday talk. If you want a broader term, slip of the tongue can work, but it is less exact. In formal language study, lapsus linguae is another option.
In context
- That was a classic malapropism.
- She made a malapropism during her speech.
- His malapropism made everyone laugh.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is a malapropism always accidental?
- Yes, it is usually an unintentional mistake, not a joke or a planned pun.
- What is the difference between a malapropism and a slip of the tongue?
- A slip of the tongue is broader. A malapropism is specifically a wrong word that sounds similar to the intended one.
- Is eggcorn the same as malapropism?
- They are similar, but eggcorn often keeps the phrase meaningful in a new way.
- Is there a formal term for this mistake?
- Yes, lapsus linguae is the more formal Latin term.