eggcorn

[ eg-kawrn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

a word or phrase that is a seemingly logical alteration of another word or phrase that sounds similar and has been misheard or misinterpreted, as 'old wise tale' for 'old wives' tale'.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of eggcorn¹

With reference to a mishearing or misinterpretation of the word acorn

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Examples have not been reviewed.

“I like eggcorn,” Sokolowski said, “because it’s a word about words.”

From

Since coleslaw, like most salads, is traditionally served cold, the eggcorn cold slaw is a little redundant.

From

A pitch thrown “down the pipe” instead of “down the pike” is considered an eggcorn, as is “card shark” for “cardsharp.”

From

When another think coming becomes another thing coming, that’s an eggcorn.

From

Did Bruni just drop an eggcorn in America’s journal of record?

From

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