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

Example Sentences

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

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

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2022

In a 2005 posting on Language Log, a blog operated by the University of Pennsylvania, the linguist Mark Liberman wrote that “untracked” appeared to be an eggcorn for “on track.”

From New York Times • Dec. 19, 2015

The term eggcorn, coined by British-American linguist Geoff Pullum, hit a milestone this week when Merriam-Webster added it to their unabridged online database.

From Time • May 30, 2015

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

From The Guardian • Sep. 16, 2014