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Solecism vs Malapropism - What's the difference?

solecism | malapropism |

As nouns the difference between solecism and malapropism

is that solecism is erroneous or improper usage; absurdity while malapropism is (uncountable) the blundering use of an absurdly inappropriate word or expression in place of a similar sounding one.

solecism

English

Alternative forms

* (archaic)

Noun

(en noun)
  • Erroneous or improper usage; absurdity.
  • * 1783 July 8, ,
  • to suppose that the general concern of this Country can be directed by thirteen heads, or one head without competent powers, is a solecism , the bad effects of which every Man who has had the practical knowledge to judge from, that I have, is fully convinced of; tho' none perhaps has felt them in so forcible, and distressing a degree.
  • * 1869 , ,
  • Why leave the non-enumerated articles, covered by the act of 1864, subject only to this lower rate of duty? Why this distinction? Such a result would, we think, be a solecism , and contrary to the spirit and purpose of the act. It cannot reasonably be supposed that such was the intent of the clause in question.
  • * 1881 , , Chapter IV,
  • For this reason she was fond of seeing great crowds and large stretches of country, of reading about revolutions and wars, of looking at historical pictures--a class of efforts as to which she had often committed the conscious solecism of forgiving them much bad painting for the sake of the subject.
  • (grammar) Error in the use of language.
  • * 1911 , ,
  • The "simple" metaphor, such as the instance given, becomes the "continued" metaphor when the analogy or similitude is worked out in a series of phrases and expressions based on the primary metaphor; it is in such "continued metaphors" that the solecism of "mixed" metaphors is likely to occur.
  • In written language, the intentional use of misspelling and/or incorrect grammar to effect the vernacular of a particular dialect.
  • A faux pas or breach of etiquette; a transgression against the norms of expected behavior.
  • * 1778 , , Letter LXVIII: EVELINA TO THE REV. MR. VILLARS. Clifton, Sept. 28th.,
  • "Best young woman!" repeated Mr. Lovel; "'pon honour, Jack, you have made a most unfortunate speech; however, if Lady Louisa can pardon you,-and her Ladyship is all goodness,-I am sure nobody else can; for you have committed an outrageous solecism in good manners."
  • * 1913 , ,
  • To build a church for the admiration of "the man the street", who sees it from outside, or of the tourist who pays it a passing visit, or of the artist, or of anyone else whatsoever except that of the faithful who use the church for prayer, the hearing of Mass, and the reception of the sacraments, is to commit a solecism in the liturgy of all the material arts.
  • * 1919 , '', Chapter 20: Honorifics, ''footnote ,
  • In the South every negro preacher is ex officio'' a D.D., and is commonly addressed as ''Doctor''. This enables white Southerners to show a decent respect for his sacred office, and yet avoid the solecism of calling him ''Mister .

    malapropism

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (uncountable) The blundering use of an absurdly inappropriate word or expression in place of a similar sounding one.
  • The script employed malapropism to great effect.
  • (countable) An instance of this; malaprop.
  • The translator matched every malapropism in the original with one from his own language.
    The humor comes from all the malapropisms .

    Synonyms

    * (instance of malapropism) malaprop

    See also

    * * eggcorn * folk etymology * mondegreen * spoonerism English eponyms English words suffixed with -ism