MALAPROPISMS XIV

The Word's The Thing

Dr. Louis D. Appel

Identify the malapropism in each sentence and supply the correct word.

1. With that hat and those huge sunglasses, you look like you're traveling impetigo.

 

2. It's so sunny and pleasant today, let's have lunch tabasco.

3. After passing his medical exams, he was erratic.

4. It's hopeless. To try to do anything about it would be an exercise in duplicity.

5. I've had it with Joe and his philandering. He's nothing but a piccolo.

6. He isn't scared of anything. I've never known anyone so decrepit.

7. His refusal to testify was paramount to an admission of guilt.

8. That's an interesting point, but it is not prevalent to the discussion.

9. The older couple planned a vacation to visit erotic destinations.

10. After a death, it's respectful to visit the reprieved and extend your sympathy.

Answers:

 

1. impetigo - incognito

2. tabasco - alfresco

3. erratic - ecstatic

4. duplicity - futility

5. piccolo - gigolo

6. decrepit - intrepid

7. paramount - tantamount

8. prevalent - relevant

9. erotic - exotic

10. reprieved - bereaved