spoonerism

A word or phrase created by swapping the initial letters (or first consonant sounds) of two words or syllables to get a new word word or phrase. The spelling doesn't have to be correct, only the pronounciation is important. The term "spoonerism" was named after Reverend W.A. Spooner (1844-1930).

Not to be confused with anagrams, palindromes, and other word games.

- "Peas and carrots" is a spoonerism of "keys and parrots"
- "tea bags" becomes "bee tags"
- "trail mix" becomes "mail tricks"
- "Save the whales" becomes "wave the sails"
- "forearm" becomes "oar farm"

by Bill M. August 27, 2004

spoonerism

When the spellings/pronounciation of a sentance move around slightly.

Let us drink to the dear old queen!

Let us drink to the queer old dean!

by Kung-Fu Jesus April 18, 2004

spoonerism

A humourous phrase where the first letters of 2 parts are reversed. Named after Rev. Spooner.

"This way Madam, and I'll sew you to your sheets" (= show you to your seats).

by zimman August 28, 2005

spoonerism

Transposing inappropriate begginnings on two different words.

Jordan made the ultimate spoonerism today when he said, "They were ligging the erections."

by Maria Klodowsky May 29, 2007

spoonerism

- the unintentional transportation of sounds or of parts of words in speaking

"half-warmed fish"
for
"half-formed wish"

by Jessica September 11, 2003

spoonerism

When you switch the first 2 letters of 2 words around to form a new phrase.

Here's a spoonerism:

Cloudy hit.

by I ain't tellin' you NoTHIN!!! September 16, 2006

Spoonerism

Transposing the letters of two words to form new ones.

Usually done when you are talking faster than your brain can keep up with.

An unfortunate spoonerism:

The gymnasts displayed some cunning stunts.

by Lambchops December 7, 2004