Best Malapropisms: Funny Misused Words

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ivan Seeking
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on malapropisms, specifically humorous instances where incorrect words are substituted for similar-sounding ones, often leading to comic effects. Participants shared personal anecdotes, such as a sign advertising "all orgasmically grown vegetables" and a mix-up involving "anadromous" and "androgynous" fish. The conversation highlights the joy and laughter derived from these linguistic errors, with references to past threads and popular culture, including a mention of a character from "Trailer Park Boys" and a Saturday Night Live skit featuring Emily Litella.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of malapropisms and their comedic effect
  • Familiarity with linguistic terms such as acyrologia and Dogberryism
  • Knowledge of popular culture references, including "Trailer Park Boys" and SNL skits
  • Awareness of the context in which malapropisms occur, such as written signs and spoken language
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the origins and examples of malapropisms in literature and media
  • Explore the impact of humor in language through studies on comedic linguistics
  • Investigate the role of malapropisms in character development in television shows
  • Learn about the psychological effects of humor on communication and social interactions
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for linguists, comedians, writers, and anyone interested in the humorous aspects of language and communication. It provides insights into how malapropisms can enhance storytelling and comedic timing.

Ivan Seeking
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
8,213
Reaction score
2,657
A malapropism (also called a Dogberryism or acyrologia) is the substitution of an incorrect word for a word with a similar sound, usually to comic effect.
- wiki

The food thread reminded me of a sign that advertised "all orgasmically grown vegetables".

I once called the parks department with a question about anadromous fish, but instead asked about androgynous fish. At first I couldn't figure out why the person started laughing hysterically.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Oh crap, Ivan. I just sprayed popcorn all over my laptop. Orgasmically grown. Too funny.

There was this old thread back from 2006:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=121390

But Orgasmically Grown is definitely new. The best new one I have is from a letter that the apartment manager lady wrote in her good-bye letter to us residents today (she's moving on to manage a larger apartment complex under the same corporate umbrella). She was explaining how the new position was still a part of the same family...

"I will still be apart of the corporate family..."
 
berkeman said:
Oh crap, Ivan. I just sprayed popcorn all over my laptop. Orgasmically grown. Too funny.

Glad to be of service. :biggrin: I think I saw it on some roadstand along the I-5, in California. I assume it was intentional as an eye-catcher. It worked.

Perhaps it should have been orgasmically groan?
 
When my daughter was 3 year old, for the teacher appreciation day, we bought a gift for her teacher and taught her to say "Thank you for teaching me". Later we decided to skip the speech part; she kept on saying "Thank you for cheating me".
 
I know I've heard loads of these, but I can't think of any pacific examples

...

:wink:
 
The police are not here to create disorder, they're here to preserve disorder.
- Richard Daley, former Chicago mayor
 
I learned to malapropriate from this lady:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/2364/saturday-night-live-weekend-update-emily-litella-on-violins-on-tv
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Fork in the road, each path leads to possibly more disappointment.
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
8K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 236)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 236)
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K