Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'malapropism'

English Word: malapropism

Key Russian Translations:

• малапропизм [mələprəˈpizm] - [Formal, Literary]

Frequency: Low (Primarily used in literary, academic, or humorous contexts in Russian; not common in everyday speech)

Difficulty: Advanced (C1-C2; Requires familiarity with literary devices and English loanwords in Russian)

Pronunciation (Russian):

малапропизм: [mələprəˈpizm]

Note on малапропизм: The stress falls on the third syllable ("про"). Be mindful of the soft sign (ь) in "изм," which affects the preceding consonant's pronunciation, making it softer. In fast speech, it may sound closer to [mələprə'pizm].

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

The act of using a word in place of a similar-sounding word, resulting in a humorous or absurd effect.

Translation(s) & Context:

• малапропизм - Used in formal literary discussions or critiques, often when referencing English literature or wordplay.

Usage Examples:

• В пьесе Шекспира героиня часто допускает малапропизм, путая слова и вызывая смех у аудитории.

  In Shakespeare's play, the heroine often commits a malapropism, confusing words and causing laughter among the audience.

• Этот малапропизм в его речи был не случайностью, а умышленным приёмом для юмора.

  This malapropism in his speech was not accidental but an intentional technique for humor.

• В современном русском языке малапропизм редко встречается, но в сатирических текстах он используется для подчёркивания невежества персонажа.

  In modern Russian language, malapropism is rarely encountered, but in satirical texts, it is used to highlight a character's ignorance.

• Она произнесла фразу с малапропизмом, сказав "аппендицит" вместо "аппендицит", что всех рассмешило.

  She said the phrase with a malapropism, using "appendicitis" instead of "appendix," which made everyone laugh.

• Малапропизм в этой поэме усиливает комический эффект, показывая путаницу персонажа.

  The malapropism in this poem enhances the comic effect, showing the character's confusion.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Малапропизм is a masculine noun (мужской род) borrowed from English, and it follows standard Russian noun inflection patterns for third-declension nouns. It is indeclinable in most cases due to its foreign origin, but can show changes in number and case when used in context.

Note: While it is generally inflected as above, in informal or modern usage, it may remain unchanged for emphasis on its foreign status.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • каламбур (pun; more general, often implies wordplay for humor)
  • словесная ошибка (verbal error; less specific, used in everyday contexts)
• Antonyms:
  • точность (accuracy; implies correct word usage)

Related Phrases:

• Допустить малапропизм - To commit a malapropism; Used in contexts of speech errors for comedic effect.
• Малапропизм в литературе - Malapropism in literature; Refers to its role in storytelling or satire.
• Умышленный малапропизм - Intentional malapropism; Highlights deliberate use in humor or performance.

Usage Notes:

Малапропизм directly corresponds to the English term, often used in Russian literary analysis or when discussing foreign works like those of Shakespeare. It is typically restricted to formal or academic contexts due to its borrowed nature. When choosing this translation over synonyms like "каламбур," opt for малапропизм if the error specifically involves similar-sounding words rather than general wordplay. Grammatically, it functions as a neuter noun and requires attention to case agreement in sentences.

• Always pair it with contexts involving humor or irony to maintain its precise meaning.
• In spoken Russian, it may sound overly formal, so use sparingly in casual conversations.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse малапропизм with general "word errors" and misuse it for any mistake. For example:

• Error: Using "малапропизм" for simple spelling mistakes, e.g., "Он сделал опечатку, это малапропизм." (Incorrect: This implies a humorous word substitution, not just a typo.)
• Correct: "Он допустил малапропизм, сказав 'аппендицит' вместо 'аппендицит'." (Correct: This specifies a word substitution for humor.)
• Explanation: Ensure the error involves semantic confusion with similar words; otherwise, use "ошибка в речи" for broader mistakes.

Cultural Notes:

The term малапропизм originates from the character Mrs. Malaprop in Richard Sheridan's play "The Rivals," which has influenced Russian literary criticism. In Russian culture, it often appears in discussions of satire and comedy, reflecting a shared appreciation for wordplay in both English and Russian traditions, such as in the works of Gogol or modern Russian humorists.

Related Concepts:

• каламбур
• парадокс
• иррационализм