Why Characters Mix Up Words: Malapropism as Characterization

Ever misplace a word? For example, you’re trying to say, “impressionable” and you say, “impassionable.” Yeah. That’s not a word. But it is malapropism. And potentially embarrassing (and hilarious). That’s why characters mix up words like that – their authors are using malapropism as characterization.

How Authors Use Malapropism as Characterization

There are two major uses for malapropism in characterization: ignorance and mental condition. The first one is much more common and has quite a few sub-uses (Yeah… Not a word.).

Ignorance

There are a number of reasons why someone might not know the right word for something: uneducated / unintelligent, learning English as a second language, and sheltered upbringing are the most commonly used.

Uneducated & Unintelligent

But thinks otherwise (that’s important). This is the person who goes on and on about how horrible it is that people are so sanctimitious these days but doesn’t get the irony. Or the one who corrects someone by making them use the wrong word. “You mean, ‘That behavior is atrocian.’ Kids these days – I don’t know what they’re teaching you at school!”

And they never believe the main character when he or she explains that they’re wrong.

*inarticulate rage*

*cough*

Yeah. We don’t like those people. That’s why this technique works so well for creating unlikeable blowhards.

To succeed, the character should…

• Pontificate (A.K.A., run off at the mouth in a boastingly didactic way),
• Use the wrong word,
• Insist that it is right (or, in fact, more right), and
• Look down on others for not knowing that.

Put all four together, and you get instant dislike for the character. Works like a charm!

Learned English as a Second Language

Since learning a second language is hard, and the occasional malapropism is actually a pretty reasonable effect (it really happens), you can use malapropisms to help solidify the impression that someone is not as familiar with English.

This technique does not create instant dislike for two reasons:

1. The character has a good reason for making the mistake.
2. The character usually isn’t looking down on others or correcting them when mixing up words.

You could use it to make a character unlikeable by introducing the arrogance and conceit of the first method; however, that starts edging towards negative stereotyping of foreigners. So be careful with that.

Sheltered Upbringing

Think “country rube” or “sheltered innocent” for this one. In this case, the lack of experience or education is coupled with a pure, kindly soul. When this character mixes up words, people smile gently and correct him or her in a kind, respectful manner (you know, unless the one making corrections is a character we’re not supposed to like).

This technique is useful for showing that a character is less educated than others around him or her. At the same time, it shows off the sweet nature of the character and makes him or her relatable.

Mental Condition

There are a variety of mental conditions that can cause difficulties with words. The specific condition for malapropism issues (and other language-related problems) is aphasia. Medical problems that can cause aphasia or aphasia-like symptoms are…

• strokes
• brain tumors
• brain injuries
• brain surgeries
• anesthesia

I would think that drugs and alcohol could cause this, as well, since they affect brain use (and it’s one of the stereotypical ways to talk drunkenly).

Of course, these options aren’t quite as funny since there’s a potentially serious medical condition lurking in the background. That makes them useful for more serious stories (adding a little levity and tragedy together).

Personally, I’d take these traditional uses and mix them up a little. What if someone learned English as a second language but also has a brain condition? Then, the medical condition is hidden by the other reason for malapropism yet is also being foreshadowed. Or maybe a character does this deliberately to be underestimated or to be more socially accepted (although the very first option definitely wouldn’t work for that).

So be creative! Mix and match. Add a little humor here and a little tragedy there. Or just try a malapropism word game. Whatever floats your boasts!*

^{*Sorry. That was a bit 1980s cartoon ending wasn’t it? Everything must end with a bad joke and cheesy laughter!}