Each of two or more words having the same spelling but different meanings and origins (e.g., to, two, and too)
by Primordial November 22, 2011
Homonyms are words that can be either homophones and/or homographs. Homonyms are a blend of both of them.
A common example might be Mould vs Mold. While these can interchangeably refer to shape / fungus and vice versa, some English language professors ask students to use "Mould" for shaping whereas they should use "Mold" for fungus.
A common example might be Mould vs Mold. While these can interchangeably refer to shape / fungus and vice versa, some English language professors ask students to use "Mould" for shaping whereas they should use "Mold" for fungus.
by Hamolteans July 22, 2023
by XXXtentasemen September 20, 2018
Attacking someone's grammar/spelling in debate rather than focusing on their argument. An intentional play on the word "ad hominem".
Person A: I think you're argument is illogical. Here are several well-reasoned arguments why I think so.
Person B: It's "your", not "you're". I will now call you names like "illiterate imbecile" while completely ignoring the fact that you pwned me in reason and logic.
Person A: That's an ad homonym attack.
Person B: It's "your", not "you're". I will now call you names like "illiterate imbecile" while completely ignoring the fact that you pwned me in reason and logic.
Person A: That's an ad homonym attack.
by mais March 21, 2013
When someone uses a homonym in an incorrect way. Examples of this can be viewed everyday on Facebook.
We are heading out for happy hour now, just meat us their.
I love you to.
There dog is big.
Your my little sugar bare.
How many homonym busts do you see in those sentences?
I love you to.
There dog is big.
Your my little sugar bare.
How many homonym busts do you see in those sentences?
by casefacee November 6, 2009
In a debate (or perceived debate) a casual remark that sounds like an insult, and is perceived as one.
Norma: I think we may be getting rain soon.
Betty: Actually, Norma, after analyzing the latest data, including local atmospheric pressure, temperature and cloud characteristics, and the velocity of fronts within a 100 mile radius, I conclude that we will NOT be getting rain soon.
Norma: Well, Betty. It sounds like, when you grow up, you might be quite the mee-tee--a-rol--o--gist.
Betty: Are you calling me FAT?
Norma: ????
Betty: You clearly know nothing about weather, and you try to overcome your ignorance by saying that when I grow up, I'll be a MEATY urologist. Ad hominem attacks have no place in rational discussions.
Norma: No, Betty. Your scientific knowledge actually impresses me. I said you were going to be quite the METEOROLOGIST when you grew up.
Betty: Oh, so I thought it was an ad hominem...
Norma: and it was really only an ad homonym!
(meterologist homonym courtesy of Richard Lederer)
Betty: Actually, Norma, after analyzing the latest data, including local atmospheric pressure, temperature and cloud characteristics, and the velocity of fronts within a 100 mile radius, I conclude that we will NOT be getting rain soon.
Norma: Well, Betty. It sounds like, when you grow up, you might be quite the mee-tee--a-rol--o--gist.
Betty: Are you calling me FAT?
Norma: ????
Betty: You clearly know nothing about weather, and you try to overcome your ignorance by saying that when I grow up, I'll be a MEATY urologist. Ad hominem attacks have no place in rational discussions.
Norma: No, Betty. Your scientific knowledge actually impresses me. I said you were going to be quite the METEOROLOGIST when you grew up.
Betty: Oh, so I thought it was an ad hominem...
Norma: and it was really only an ad homonym!
(meterologist homonym courtesy of Richard Lederer)
by I. Wagner November 30, 2006