malapopism 

A misplaced pop culture reference, usually caused by confusing similar names or words, and referring to someone/something irrelevant or ridiculous in context.

As with a malapropism, the confusion and result are similar; however, rather than confusing the meaning of standard English words, one is confusing similar-sounding names & pop culture references.

A malapopism can also occur when someone is unaware of the fact that the same name refers to a different person/thing/event, and makes an inappropriate reference based on that mistaken assumption.

Both kinds of malapopisms (similar names; same name but different people) in conversation:

Jen: The Cottingley fairies were a hoax, and Arthur Conan Doyle was fooled. James Randi's book tells all about it.
Arshad: Damn fairies, always wanting to restrict the free market! :)
Everyone: *stares blankly*
Arshad: You know... all that Libertarian stuff Randi wrote?
Everyone: Oh, you mean Ayn Rand!
Arshad: ohhh.

Who were the Senators from Illinois before Obama and Durbin?
Well, before Durbin was Paul Simon...
Hah, did he sing "Sound of Silence" to the Senate?
Dude, that's not the same Paul Simon!

malapopism by my name is Cos March 4, 2009

malapopism 

A misplaced pop culture reference, usually caused by confusing similar names or words, and referring to someone/something irrelevant or ridiculous in context.

As with a malapropism, the confusion and result are similar; however, rather than confusing the meaning of standard English words, one is confusing similar-sounding names & pop culture references.

A malapopism can also occur when someone is unaware of the fact that the same name refers to a different person/thing/event, and makes an inappropriate reference based on that mistaken assumption.

Both kinds of malapopisms (similar names; same name but different people) in conversation:

Jen: The Cottingley fairies were a hoax, and Arthur Conan Doyle was fooled. James Randi's book tells all about it.
Arshad: Damn fairies, always wanting to restrict the free market! :)
Everyone: *stares blankly*
Arshad: You know... all that Libertarian stuff Randi wrote?
Everyone: Oh, you mean Ayn Rand!
Arshad: ohhh.

Who were the Senators from Illinois before Obama and Durbin?
Well, before Durbin was Paul Simon...
Hah, did he sing "Sound of Silence" to the Senate?
Dude, that's not the same Paul Simon!

malapopism by my name is Cos April 2, 2009

malapropism 

This is when someone abuses the wrong worm so you can't understudy what they're crying to play.

Named after someone called Mrs Malaprop in some classical something or other.

malapropism by Andy May 7, 2004

malapropism 

a word mistakenly used in place of a similar sounding word, usually by the President of the United States

An example of a malapropism 'we should demand slavery respirations'

malapropism by Dingermcduff September 11, 2003

malapropism 

1. When something is inappropriately named
2. When someone uses a name/word in an improper context

George W. used a malapropism when he said "They misunderestimated me."

malapropism by Anonymous September 14, 2003

malapropism 

Comes from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in 'The Rivals' - a 1775 play by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. She imagines herself to be learned but betrays her ignorance by using words that sound similar to those she intends to use.

Mrs. Malaprop refers to a "nice derangement of epitaphs" in the play.

malapropism by Derek Scott September 9, 2003

malapropism 

A word which purposely replaces another word within a common phrase or addage, with humorous, or ironic intention.

"Curteousy killed the cat" as opposed to "Curiosity killed the cat"

malapropism by Bat September 12, 2003