MALAPROPISMS XXVIII

Source: 

Anguished English

Richard Lederer

A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with an unintended amusing result. Its origin comes form a character named Mrs. Malaprop, in a 1775 play called The Rivals, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. For example, a Chicago politician said, "I don't want to cast asparagus on my opponent." He meant to say aspersions.

Can you identify the malapropism in each sentence below and give the correct word?

1. We can't be a pancreas to the whole world's problems

2. They were singing without accompaniment  - you know, Acapulco.

3. I saw all those old testament houses.

4. His acting ran the gauntlet - from A to Z.

5. My daughter has a congenial hip disease.

6. He loved the mountains and was an invertebrate climber.

7 He's a wealthy typhoon.

8. She died interstate.

9. My 90-year-old grandmother still has all her facilities.

10. The prelate is interested in the economical movement.

11. I suffer from a deviant septum.

12. "Your question is completely off the topic - it's irreverent.".

Answers:

1. PANCREAS - PANACEA

2. ACAPULCO - A CAPELLA

3. TESTAMENT -TENEMENT

4. GAUNTLET - GAMUT

5. CONGENIAL - CONGENITAL

6. INVERTEBRATE -  INVETERATE

7. TYPHOON - TYCOON

8. INTERSTATE  - INTESTATE 

9. FACILITIES - FACULTIES

10. ECONOMICAL - ECUMENICAL

11. DEVIANT - DEVIATED

12. IRREVERENT - IRRELEVANT