Date: Sat, 7 Oct 1995 00:36:06 -0700

From: Rima & Kim McKinzey rkm[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]SLIP.NET

Subject: Re: Mondegreens,Malaprops,Sam Goldwyn, Casey Stengel & Yogi Berra



How do we differentiate or define among the following:



Mondegreens



Mishearings, usually of song lyrics or other public utterance. Thus the

name: from the ballad of the Earl of Murray who was killed. "and they

slew the Earl of Murray and laid him on the green" misheard as two

unfortunately murdered gentles - both the hapless Earl of Murray and Lady

Mondegreen.





Malaprops or Malapropisms (based on Mrs. Malaprop) in a play I

believe by Sheridan, but correct me if wrong.



Using the wrong word. My old neighbor, for instance, would say things like

"indiscreet lighting" and "revolting doors."



Goldwynisms based on quotes from movie producer Sam Goldwyn, the grand

master of the Malaprop without even trying:

e.g. "An oral contract isn't worth the paper it's printed on."



Mix and match expressions. A client of my father's used to say "No matter

how you twist and turn, it all comes out in the wash."