Pronunciation: /mæləfɔr/

Definitions of malaphor

noun A figure of speech in which words or phrases are mixed up and confused in a humorous way, often combining two common idioms or sayings.

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a funny malaphor at the party last night.

A2 She often mixes up idioms and creates unintentional malaphors.

B1 The comedian's routine was full of clever malaphors that had the audience laughing.

B2 The author's use of malaphors added a unique and humorous touch to the novel.

C1 His ability to effortlessly create malaphors demonstrates his mastery of language.

C2 The professor's lecture was filled with intricate malaphors that left the students in awe of his linguistic skills.

adjective Describing something that is a result of mixing up and confusing words or phrases in a humorous way.

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a malaphor joke that made me laugh.

A2 She tends to use malaphor expressions without realizing it.

B1 The speaker's malaphor caused confusion among the audience.

B2 His malaphor-laden speech was both amusing and perplexing.

C1 The writer's use of malaphor added a unique and humorous touch to the story.

C2 The politician's malaphor-laden campaign speeches became a subject of ridicule in the media.

Examples of malaphor in a Sentence

formal The speaker unintentionally used a malaphor during the presentation, causing confusion among the audience.

informal I always mix up idioms and end up creating a malaphor that leaves my friends laughing.

slang My dad's malaphor game is strong - he mixes up sayings like nobody's business!

figurative Her malaphor about the situation being a 'piece of cake walk in the park' perfectly summed up the ease of the task.

Grammatical Forms of malaphor

past tense

malaphored

plural

malaphors

comparative

more malaphoric

superlative

most malaphoric

present tense

malaphors

future tense

will malaphor

perfect tense

have malaphored

continuous tense

is malaphoring

singular

malaphor

positive degree

malaphoric

infinitive

to malaphor

gerund

malaphoring

participle

malaphored

Origin and Evolution of malaphor

First Known Use: 2000 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'malaphor' is a blend of 'malapropism' and 'metaphor'. A malapropism is the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Evolution of the word: The term 'malaphor' likely emerged in the early 21st century as a way to describe the inadvertent blending of malapropisms and metaphors. It has since gained popularity in linguistic circles and is used to identify instances of mixed idioms or phrases that create a humorous or nonsensical effect.