| acyrology |
| Definition -
Incorrect use of words, especially the use of malapropisms, i.e. accidently chosen incorrect words that sound like the desired word.
Notes: 1. When you try to be funny by purposely using incorrect words, it is called paronomasia; when you do it accidently, it is acyrology. |
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Example - Mr. Chairman, I second that emotion. |
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Etymology - The word derives from the Greek akyrologos, incorrect in speech (from a, not + kyros, authority + logos, speech) |
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Oxford English Dictionary - Its first citation is from 1656: "Acyrology, improper speech, or a speaking improperly." (Blount, Glossographia ) |
