eggcorn

American  

[eg-kawrn] / ˈɛgˌkɔrn /

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'.

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Etymology

Origin of eggcorn

With reference to a mishearing or misinterpretation of the word acorn

Explanation

An eggcorn is a word or phrase that isn't quite correct, although it sounds just about right. When someone asks for "coldslaw" at a restaurant, they're using an eggcorn — what they meant to order was "coleslaw." If you've wondered why your grandpa always grouses about it being a "doggy dog world," you've experienced an eggcorn first hand. The actual phrase, "it's a dog-eat-dog world," is frequently misunderstood in this way. Other common eggcorns are "old-timer's disease" instead of "Alzheimer's" and "pass mustard" in lieu of "pass muster." Eggcorn was coined in 2003 by a linguistics professor, named after the made-up word some people use when they intend to say acorn.

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2022

Alzheimer's surname is often misheard as old-timers' — an apt eggcorn, as most people diagnosed with the disease are older than 65.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2022

A pitch thrown “down the pipe” instead of “down the pike” is considered an eggcorn, as is “card shark” for “cardsharp.”

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2015

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

From The Guardian • Sep. 16, 2014