eggcorn

[eg-kawrn]

1. 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'.

Word History and Origins

Origin of eggcorn¹

With reference to a mishearing or misinterpretation of the word acorn

Example Sentences

“I like eggcorn,” Sokolowski said, “because it’s a word about words.”

From Seattle Times

Since coleslaw, like most salads, is traditionally served cold, the eggcorn cold slaw is a little redundant.

From Salon

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 New York Times

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

From Time

Inspired by this new definition, some other Language Loggers decided to set up the “eggcorn database”, which is a brilliant and often hilarious compendium of mortification.

From The Guardian