Understanding Malapropism

What is a malapropism?

• A word that is spelled the same forwards and backwards

• A word that has multiple meanings

• A phrase that is difficult to pronounce

• A humorous misuse of a word that sounds similar to the correct one

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for a malapropism?

• The substituted word must have a different meaning

• The substituted word must have a similar sound to the original

• The substituted word must have the same meaning as the original

• The word must be recognized in the speaker's native language

In the example 'flying saucers are an optical conclusion', what should 'conclusion' be replaced with?

• Exclusion

• Confusion

• Illusion

• Inclusion

What is the correct word for 'evaporate' in the sentence 'the flood damage was so bad they had to evaporate the city'?

• Exaggerate

• Evacuate

• Elevate

• Emanate

In the phrase 'he's as headstrong as an allegory on the banks of the Nile', what should 'allegory' be replaced with?

• Alligator

• Allegiance

• Allegation

• Allegro