Hatrack River Forum: Literary Term Help

This is topic Literary Term Help in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :

Hi guys,

I haven't been on in a long time, but I desperately need help remembering a term! Ok, it means using a word that sounds like another word, eg. "proverb" of a city instead of "suburb" of a city. I think it may be based on the name of a female character in a play (either British or American) and maybe her last name started with mis- but that could be WAY off. Help! [Wall Bash]

Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :

Are you talking about a malapropism? Named for a fictional character named Mrs. Malaprop?

Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :

Sounds like Samarkand needs a pneumonic device to help him remember.

Posted by Samarkand (Member # 8379) on :

Except that Samarkand is a she! Yes, it's malapropism. Noemon, you are amazing.

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

You know Jon Boy, what's sad is that I had to read your sentence twice to get it.

I guess because I'm an auditory reader, I pronounce words in my head when I read so it sounded correct. [Blushing]

Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :

Samarkand: Sorry for the mix-up. It's always hard to tell the genders of cities.

Belle: I'm just glad that someone got it. [Big Grin]

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Sam, did you get your winter holiday exchange gift? I believe you're the only one who didn't confirm, so I'm not sure. If you reply I'll let your sender know.

Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :

I prefer Spoonerisms.

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Me too, Bob. [Big Grin]

Can I sew you to another sheet?