Malapropism (#176)

A Malapropism (de: Malapropismus) is the unintended use of a word, which sounds similar to the word one wanted to say in the first place and thus creates a nonsensical or funny sentence.

The term comes from a character in the play The Rivals, written by Richard Sheridan in 1775. In the play, Mrs. Malaprop is misusing words all the time, like:

"He is the very pineapple of politeness!" (instead of: pinnacle)

Some politicians throw them in from time to time:

It's not rocket fuel.
(instad of: rocket science. Henry McLeish, former Scottish First Minister)

Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child. (instead of: bonding. Dan Quayle, former US Vice President)

And some politicians use them so often, they get their own name, like Bushisms, coming from G. W. Bush:

".. on weapons of mass production."
"It will take time to restore chaos and order."
"They have miscalculated me as a leader."

Two of my all-time favorites come from a collection of school kid's essays (in German though):

Er ist vom Baum gefallen und hatte eine Gehirnverschüttung.
He fell from the tree and had a brain sucussion. (instead of: concussion)

Das Vakuum ist ein grosser, leerer Raum, wo der Papst wohnt.
The vacuum is a huge, empty room, where the pope lives. (instead of: Vatican)

Not even sure, if the last one isn't true to some extent...