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."

>