cacology

American  

[ka-kol-uh-jee, kuh-] / kæˈkɒl ə dʒi, kə- /

noun

1. defectively produced speech; socially unacceptable diction.

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cacology British  

/ kəˈkɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. a bad choice of words; faulty speech

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Etymology

Origin of cacology

First recorded in 1615–25; caco- + -logy

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

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