Understanding Malapropism
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the effects of a malapropism?

  • A humorous effect (correct)
  • A profound philosophical statement
  • A display of extensive vocabulary
  • A serious error in grammar

    • Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a malapropism?

  • Often results from an attempt to use a more sophisticated vocabulary
  • Can arise from a mispronunciation or a misunderstanding of a word's meaning
  • Is always intentional (correct)
  • Involves a mistaken use of a word

    • What is the origin of the term "malapropism"?

  • A famous 19th-century author
  • A linguistic study conducted in the 18th century
  • A character in a Shakespearean play
  • A character in a comedy by Richard Brinsley Sheridan (correct)

    • Which of the following is an example of a malapropism from Mrs. Malaprop?

    <p>She is a pineapple of politeness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the term "solecism" as it relates to malapropisms?

    <p>An error in grammar or diction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Malapropism

    A humorous mistake using a similar-sounding word incorrectly.

    Solecism

    An error in grammar or standard language use.

    Comic effect

    The humorous outcome produced by malapropisms.

    Mrs. Malaprop

    Fictional character known for her malapropisms in a play.

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    Progeny of learning

    A comedic phrase misusing 'progeny' instead of 'prodigy.'

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    Study Notes

    Malapropism

    • Malapropism is a type of solecism.
    • A solecism is the unintended and noticeable violation of standard grammar or vocabulary.
    • Malapropism specifically involves mistakenly substituting one word for another similar-sounding one.
    • The effect of malapropism is usually humorous.
    • The term "malapropism" originates from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's play The Rivals.
    • Examples of Mrs. Malaprop's malapropisms include "a progeny of learning," "as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile," and "he is the very pineapple of politeness."

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    Description

    Explore the concept of malapropism, a humorous type of solecism involving the substitution of similar-sounding words. Learn about its origins from Mrs. Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals and see examples that illustrate this linguistic phenomenon.

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