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Answer for the clue "Unintentional misuse of a word ", 11 letters:
malapropism

Alternative clues for the word malapropism

Word definitions for malapropism in dictionaries

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
A malapropism (also called a malaprop or Dogberryism ) is the use of an incorrect word in place of a word with a similar sound, resulting in a nonsensical, often humorous utterance . An example is the statement by baseball player Yogi Berra , " Texas has ...

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. 1 (context uncountable English) The blundering use of an absurdly inappropriate word or expression in place of a similar sounding one. 2 (context countable English) An instance of this; malaprop.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1826, from Mrs. Malaprop, character in Sheridan's play "The Rivals" (1775), noted for her ridiculous misuse of large words (such as "contagious countries" for "contiguous countries"), her name coined from malapropos .

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar [syn: malaprop ]

The Collaborative International Dictionary Word definitions in The Collaborative International Dictionary
malapropism \mal"a*prop*ism\, n. [From Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's drama, `` The Rivals,'' who makes amusing blunders in her use of words. See Malapropos .] A grotesque misuse of a word; a word so used.

Usage examples of malapropism.

She was a woman of a certain reputation and famous for her bluntness, thick skin, memorable malapropisms and amazingly inventive non sequiturs.

There are many jokes turning on malapropisms, illiteracy, dropped aitches and the rough manners of slum-dwellers.