CARRIED AWAY » malapropism http://www.carrieisgett.com The Optimistically Cartoonish Blog of a Cartoonishly Optimistic Writer Mon, 30 Aug 2010 02:19:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 A couple things you need to know. http://www.carrieisgett.com/2009/07/a-couple-things-you-need-to-know/ http://www.carrieisgett.com/2009/07/a-couple-things-you-need-to-know/#comments Sun, 26 Jul 2009 08:35:36 +0000 Carrie http://www.carrieisgett.com/?p=347 malapropism 

–noun

  an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound

spoonerism   

–noun

 

the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident, as in a blushing crow for a crushing blow.

Origin: 
1895–1900; after W. A. Spooner (1844–1930), English clergyman noted for such slips

Ironically enough, these are oddly easy to confuse.

 

What is the origin of the phrase “mad as a hatter?”

Which means completely mad or insane.

One might think it had something to do with Alice in Wonderland. Or Johnny Depp.  However, these assumptions would be incorrect.  In fact, back in the day Mercury use to be used in the making of hats which effects the nervous system of those in close contact with it often.  It also creates aggressiveness, mood swings and “anti-social” behavior.  One could imagine that someone with these symptoms would appear quite insane, or even mad, perhaps.

One of the more popular references of course would be the Mad Hatter in the afore mentioned book, Alice in Wonderland.

 

Alright, off you go.  That’s all the wisdom I shall impart this evening.

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