cacology
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of cacology
Explanation
Mispronouncing words, using incorrect grammar, and misusing words when speaking are all examples of cacology. In the world of linguistics, cacology is the antithesis of eloquence and proper diction. The first part of cacology, caco, is derived from the Greek kakos, meaning "bad." That root is also seen in the word cacophony, in which it combines with the root phon-, meaning "sound," to describe disagreeable, unharmonious — i.e., bad-sounding — noise. When caco is combined with logy, derived from the Greek logia-, meaning "speech, word, or study," we get cacology, or literally "bad speech." It's best to avoid cacology when giving a formal speech or presentation.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even Shakespeare might have been glad of such an opportunity to enlarge the cacology, by actual hearing, of some of his most amusing characters.
From Old New England Traits by Lunt, George
As to prose, I don't know Addison's from Johnson's; but I will try to mend my cacology.
From Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 3 With His Letters and Journals by Moore, Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
