malapropism

noun

mal·a·prop·ism ˈma-lə-ˌprä-ˌpi-zəm

: 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 the context

"Jesus healing those leopards" is an example of malapropism.

: malaprop

malapropist

ˈma-lə-ˌprä-pist

noun

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Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Richard Sheridan's 1775 play The Rivals, was known for her verbal blunders. "He is the very pine-apple of politeness," she exclaimed, complimenting a courteous young man. Thinking of the geography of contiguous countries, she spoke of the "geometry" of "contagious countries," and she hoped that her daughter might "reprehend" the true meaning of what she was saying. She regretted that her "affluence" over her niece was small. The word malapropism comes from this blundering character's name, which Sheridan took from the French term mal à propos, meaning "inappropriate."

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Cukor provides her with every leeway to make her slinky walk, squeaky voice and astonishing malapropisms count for every possible laugh. —Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Dec. 2024 There is so much of it — aside from the goofy malapropisms Dementus is given to, there isn’t a lot of dialogue. —Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 17 May 2024 One of the play’s best scenes captures the early banter of the two men, full of vulgarities, malapropisms and cultural misunderstandings. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 Some insist on preserving every malapropism as their own voice. —Boris Kachka, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2023 See All Example Sentences for malapropism