Word for a misused word

Question

I am looking for a word that describes the mistaking of a word for one that sounds similar. For instance "you aren't allowed to do that, but I guess we can make a deception." Obviously, "deception" should be "exception." The words don't sound the same, but they're pretty close.

Also see this question/answers: http://english.stackexchange.com/q/83232/18655 — JLG, Apr 09 '14 at 23:23
Also see this question/answers: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/138812/word-for-when-one-uses-the-wrong-word-in-a-sentence — Doc, Apr 10 '14 at 13:21

score 14 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 09 '14 at 21:49

14

Perhaps malapropism?

The mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, for example, “dance a flamingo” (instead of flamenco).

answered Apr 09 '14 at 21:49

bib

72,782

Perfect. I knew there was a word for this, but forgot it. Thanks bib! – KnightOfNi Apr 09 '14 at 21:51
Or the classic: "I'd rather be pissed off then pissed on" – Cruncher Apr 10 '14 at 14:16
@Cruncher Perhaps the order is reversed? – bib Apr 10 '14 at 14:22

score 5 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 09 '14 at 21:56

5

Also eggcorn

a word or phrase that results from a mishearing or misinterpretation of another, an element of the original being substituted for one that sounds very similar or identical (e.g. tow the line instead of toe the line ).

answered Apr 09 '14 at 21:56

Aaron K

1,661

Best because eggcorn is itself an example. – dmourati Apr 10 '14 at 06:09

score 3 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 09 '14 at 22:13

3

How about "catachresis?"

catachresis: the incorrect use of words, as luxuriant for luxurious.

answered Apr 09 '14 at 22:13

Elian

43,007

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Apr 10 '14 at 07:01

1

A special class of this situation is a mondegreen:

the mishearing or misinterpretation of a phrase as a result of near-homophony, in a way that gives it a new meaning.

answered Apr 10 '14 at 07:01

Code Roadie

161

Word for a misused word

4 Answers4

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