noun, improper. Improper words that may or may not express the same meaning as the root by one or more of the following:
1. adding unnecessary prefixes and suffixes to a root word (examples: "irregardless"),
2. expressing (or mis-expressing) the phonetic characterization of a word or phrase as the phrase itself (example: "for all intensive purposes" assumed from "for all intents and purposes"; or "preemptory" instead of the proper "peremptory")
Many frankenyms find their way into the colloquial lexicon to a degree that they become indistinguishable from the proper vernacular.
1. adding unnecessary prefixes and suffixes to a root word (examples: "irregardless"),
2. expressing (or mis-expressing) the phonetic characterization of a word or phrase as the phrase itself (example: "for all intensive purposes" assumed from "for all intents and purposes"; or "preemptory" instead of the proper "peremptory")
Many frankenyms find their way into the colloquial lexicon to a degree that they become indistinguishable from the proper vernacular.
Student Andrew: Irregardless of it being a 'team' project, Mrs. Timpton, the assignment seems like it will take longer than the time allotted.
Teacher: For all intensive purposes, Andrew, you will have it done by Friday or fail the class.
Student Steve: If you both insist on continued used of those ridiculous frankenyms, I'll report you both to the headmaster for murder of the King's English!
Teacher: For all intensive purposes, Andrew, you will have it done by Friday or fail the class.
Student Steve: If you both insist on continued used of those ridiculous frankenyms, I'll report you both to the headmaster for murder of the King's English!
by Airwolf1986 May 10, 2021
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