Understanding Misheard Phrases and Language Evolution

What is a common reason people feel embarrassed when using idioms?

• They mispronounce the words in the idiom.

• They use idioms in the wrong context.

• They often forget the idiom completely.

• They discover they've been saying it incorrectly for years.

Which phrase is the original according to Oxford's language monitoring databases?

• Another thing coming

• Another idea coming

• Another think coming

• Another thought coming

What is the origin of the phrase 'to curry favour'?

• It is derived from a Latin phrase.

• It was first used in a Shakespearean play.

• It originated from a popular Indian dish.

• It comes from a medieval French poem about a horse.

What term did Geoffrey Pullum coin to describe idiosyncratic substitutions?

• Malaphor

• Eggcorn

• Mondegreen

• Spoonerism

What is a malaphor?

• A mixed up idiom

• A blend of a metaphor and a simile

• A misheard song lyric

• A type of spoonerism