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Question
#58850. peasypod
asks:
It was introduced into the English language from a character in a play from the 18th century. It was, however, derived from a French term. It has a similar meaning to a word attributed to a certain 19th century clergyman and his worms, although slightly differing concept. What is the word, what was the name of the play and can you give a few examples of what this word describes?
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gmackematix
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Malapropism and Sheridan's "The Rivals" are two of the solutes you inquired after at this junction.
Aug 16 05, 8:28 PM
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gmackematix
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As for the provider of clerical errors you eluded to, he went to school in Oswestry ten miles from where I live.
According to Wiki, though, Shakespeare's Dogberry was there first:
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malapropism
I can think of at least two British soap characters (Ethel Skinner of "Eastenders" and Hilda Ogden of "Coronation Street") who have continued the traditions of Mrs Malaprop.
Aug 16 05, 8:34 PM
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lanfranco
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You mean the man who made the immortal remark, "You have tasted two worms and you will leave Oxford by the next town drain"?
Aug 16 05, 9:39 PM
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lanfranco
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I should have added that you were also referring to "spoonerisms," named after the cleric William Spooner.
http://www.answers.com/topic/spoonerism
My favorite Mrs. Malapropism is:
"Why, murder's the matter! Slaughter's the matter! Killing's the matter! -- but he can tell you the perpendiculars."
Aug 16 05, 10:11 PM
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peasypod
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Well yes, gmack, Nice One. You too Frankie for the Spoonerisms. Can either of you give an example of aural type, a Mondegreen?
Aug 16 05, 11:56 PM
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gmackematix
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I see, like the prayer a certain child heard at a funeral:
"To the father to the son and into the hole he goes".
Aug 17 05, 8:45 PM
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