MALAPROPISM

malapropism, malaprop

(noun) the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

malapropism (countable and uncountable, plural malapropisms)

(uncountable) The blundering use of an absurdly inappropriate word or expression in place of a similar-sounding one.

(countable) An instance of this; malaprop.

Synonyms

• (instance of malapropism): malaprop, catachresis

Source: Wiktionary

Mal"a*prop*ism, n. Etym: [From Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's drama, " The Rivals," who makes amusing blunders in her use of words. See Malapropos.]

Definition: A grotesque misuse of a word; a word so used.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition