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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Example Sentences

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

Such misinterpretations, and reshaped meanings that can still make sense, are known by linguists as “eggcorns,” a reference to the way some people pronounce acorn.

From

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

From

The linguists just decided to go with eggcorn, after the canonical example.

From

egg coal eggcrate

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