Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What is the result of using malapropism in a statement?

1. It clarifies the meaning of a statement

2. It introduces tension into the narrative

3. It creates a nonsensical and humorous effect

4. It emphasizes the seriousness of a subject

The correct answer is: It creates a nonsensical and humorous effect

Using malapropism in a statement results in the creation of a nonsensical and humorous effect. Malapropisms occur when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds similar to the intended word but has a completely different meaning. This intentional or unintentional misuse often leads to humorous situations because the misused word can drastically change the meaning, creating an absurd image or idea. For example, saying "He's the pineapple of politeness" instead of "He's the pinnacle of politeness" generates a playful and funny confusion due to the incongruity of the imagery invoked by the incorrect word. As a result, malapropisms serve as a tool in language to entertain and provoke laughter, highlighting the speaker's misunderstanding in a lighthearted manner.