5 Embarrassing Malapropisms and Spelling Screw-Ups
Posted by rachelwriter on January 13, 2010
Photo Courtesy: Flickr/zen
As a language lover, there are few things that I consider more painful than witnessing someone unintentionally misapply a word or phrase. Sure, it’s cute when a toddler refers to the library as a lie-berry or insists on seeing the polo bears (instead of polar bears) at the Zoo.
But as literate grown-ups, there’s simply no excuse for making such egregious errors in our speech and writing.
Here are six gaffes that make me cringe:
1. “Supposively”
“Supposably”
The word is SUPPOSEDLY, people. Yes, -EDLY. You may want to repeat that once or twice and jot it down for future reference.
2. “Must of”
“Should of”
“Could of”
“Would of””
No, no, no, and no. It’s HAVE, people. You must HAVE. Should HAVE. Could HAVE. Would HAVE.
3. “Irregardless”
Um, I’m pretty sure you mean REGARDLESS or IRRESPECTIVE, ‘cause what you just said is not a real word.
4. “For all intensive purposes.”
Surprise! It’s actually “for all INTENTS AND purposes”!
5. “Pacifically”
If you’re referring to something in particular (yes, even if it’s on the West Coast), then what you mean is SPECIFICALLY.
What other language blunders can you think of that rub you the wrong way?
–Rachel
Jessica Muhlbier said
These are some of my biggest pet peeves, especially “irregardless”!
rachelwriter said
Thanks for reading, Jessica. And, yes–doesn’t that one just make your skin crawl?
Ang said
Pacifically, that was a funny one. Looking to improve my writing skills. Thanks for the little lesson. Ang
http://ayearofletters.wordpress.com
rachelwriter said
Thanks for reading, Ang! And, yes, it is funny, isn’t it? (Until you hear someone actually say it!
)