technopropism

n.

The humorous misuse of a word or phrase, particularly one that is not flagged by a technological tool such as a spell checker or grammar checker. [Blend of technology and malapropism.]

Example Citation:

"[T]echnopropisms"...are mistakes that the human eye might catch, but which survive such technical aids as spelling checkers.

—Elizabeth Webber, Mike Feinsilber, "Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Allusions," Merriam-Webster, January 1, 1999

Earliest Citation:

A malapropism is an unintentional but ludicrous use of a word somewhat similar to the correct word, such as "Remember Pearl Island." The name comes from Mrs. Malaprop, who was prone to saying such phrases. Malapropism is a great word but doesn't quite work to describe what can happen when language and the tools of technology collide when using, for instance, spelling checkers. For that, I propose a new word: technopropism.

—Sandy Reed, "Mrs. Malaprop meets her match: Technopropisms are the new bungled words," InfoWorld, February 12, 1996

Related Words:

technoplegic

technostalgia

Categories:

Language (General)

Technology (General)