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Malaprops and Eggcorns
A malaprop is a wrong word that makes no sense in context. Its cousin, the eggcorn, by contrast, is a wrong word or phrase that makes its own sense. An eggcorn is an error by a speaker who’d defend it, hence it is kin to a mumpsimus. And also like “mumpsimus”, the word “eggcorn” is an example of itself.
Malaprop Examples
- dance a flamingo
- decease and desist order
- knock me over with a fender
- opinions which are diabolically opposed
Eggcorn Examples
- crutch of the matter
- duck tape
- flush it out
- for all intensive purposes
- mute point
- wolf in cheap clothing