Spoonerism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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spoonerism
[ˈspuːnərɪzəm ]
Definition
linguistic phenomenon
A spoonerism is a verbal mistake in which the initial consonants or sounds of two words are swapped. This often results in humorous or nonsensical expressions. Spoonerisms are named after Reverend William Archibald Spooner, who was known for his unintentional verbal blunders.
Synonyms
malapropism, slip of the tongue.
Examples of usage
- You have hissed all my mystery lectures.
- A blushing crow.
- Tease my ears.
- It is kisstomary to cuss the bride.
Translations
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Origin of 'spoonerism'
The term 'spoonerism' was coined in the early 20th century, deriving from the name of Reverend William Archibald Spooner, an Anglican clergyman and scholar who lived in the 19th century. He became famous for his frequent verbal slips, where he would accidentally switch sounds between words. For example, he once intended to say 'You have tasted a whole worm' but instead said 'You have wasted a whole term'. These amusing blunders gained popularity and became known as spoonerisms, showcasing the playful nature of language. The phenomenon highlights how the brain processes language and sometimes leads to unexpected linguistic results. Spooner's combination of humor and grammatical error has made the term a staple in discussions about linguistics and language play.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,584, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.