the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one of similar sound, esp when creating a ridiculous effect, as in I am not under the affluence of alcohol
2.
the habit of misusing words in this manner
Derived forms
malaprop (ˈmalaprop) or malapropian (ˌmalaˈpropian)
adjective
Word origin
C18: after Mrs Malaprop in Sheridan's play The Rivals (1775), a character who misused words, from malapropos
malapropism in American English
(ˈmæləˌprɑpˌɪzəm)
noun
1.
ludicrous misuse of words, esp. through confusion caused by resemblance in sound
2.
an instance of this (Ex.: progeny for prodigy)
Word origin
< Malaprop + -ism
Examples of 'malapropism' in a sentence
malapropism
His nervousness escalated into an avalanche of malapropisms.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
When he used clichés or malapropisms, he did so for comic effect.