14:1 Malapropism

When and Where I Found It:  I was reading an article on dictionary.com that was discussing made-up words or phrases by those in government or in the media.  They referenced the term "malapropism" and challenged the reader to determine whether the words used were malapropisms.  

What It Means:  According to dictionary.com, "malapropism" is "an act or habit of misusing words ridiculously, esp. by the confusion of words that are similar in sound."  The website provides an example of this confusion of words:  "Lead the way and we'll precede."  The article that I read was debating whether Sarah Palin's use of the "word" "refudiate" is a malapropism. 
Malapropism (n.) In dictionary.com Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/malapropism

Level of Familiarity:  I think I have heard this word used once or twice in the past, but I never knew exactly what it meant until now.  

Do I Want to Know This Word Well and Why?  Yes, I want to know this word well, because, as an English major, I may have the opportunity to use this word at some point in my career.  I could even teach my future students this word, especially if public figures continue to misuse words the way they have been in the recent past.  This word seems to be a useful word to know.  

Do I Think Others Should Know This Word Well...If So, Who and Why?  Yes, I think others should know this word well.  Since there are those who debate the credibility of public figures who misspeak and who "misuse words ridiculously," it would be beneficial for these people to know the correct terminology to explain this misuse.  Also, knowing that I have seen this word at least once before, I am aware of the fact that I (and others) may encounter it again in the future.  We should all be ready to know what this word means if it is used to explain the misuse of words by our public figures.