solecism

American  

[sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh-] / ˈsɒl əˌsɪz əm, ˈsoʊ lə- /

noun

1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.

2. a breach of good manners or etiquette.

3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.

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solecism British  

/ ˈsɒlɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. 1. the nonstandard use of a grammatical construction

   2. any mistake, incongruity, or absurdity

2. a violation of good manners

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Other Word Forms

• solecist
  noun
• solecistic
  adjective
• solecistical
  adjective
• solecistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of solecism

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin soloecismus “grammatical mistake,” from Greek soloikismós “incorrect use of language” (whether of individual words or in syntax), equivalent to sóloik(os), adjective formed from Sólo(i) (a city in Cilicia founded by Doric-speaking Greeks from Rhodes, whose local dialect Athenians considered corrupt) + -ik(os) + -ismos; see -ic, -ism

Explanation

Ever snore at the opera? Burp at the dinner table? Forget your mom's birthday? Probably all three, right? Well, don't worry. Instead of just screwing up, what you did was commit a solecism. Sounds kinda neat that way, huh? The origin of solecism comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "speaking incorrectly," and solecism does have another meaning that's more specifically verbal. If you say something incorrectly, or make a grammatical error in writing, that's also a solecism. It can be just as mortifying as burping at the dinner table. Well, almost.

Example Sentences

Solecism, the word they meant, is a social or grammatical mistake or faux pas.

From Slate • Oct. 16, 2012

And so this poor Versailles Court, as the chief or central Solecism, finds all the other Solecisms arrayed against it.

From The French Revolution by Carlyle, Thomas

Doomed mortal;—for is it not a doom to be Solecism incarnate!

From The French Revolution by Carlyle, Thomas

When the brains are out, why does not a Solecism die!

From Past and Present by Carlyle, Thomas

Alas, in spite of old use and wont,—little other than a tolerated Solecism, growing daily more intolerable!

From Latter-Day Pamphlets by Carlyle, Thomas