A malaphor is when you mix two idioms together to create a nonsensical phrase. For example, saying “We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it” combines “burn your bridges” and “cross that bridge when you get to it.”
Malaphors can happen by accident. But they’re often created intentionally for comedic effect or to make a point.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what exactly malaphors are and how they differ from similar terms.
How Do Malaphors Work?
Malaphors work by taking two familiar expressions and blending them into something new and nonsensical.
This can create funny, confusing, and sometimes surprisingly insightful phrases.
For instance, saying “It’s not rocket surgery” combines “It’s not rocket science” and “It’s not brain surgery.” The result is a humorous way to say something isn’t complicated.
Malaphors work because they tap into our familiarity with common expressions. When we hear something like “Let’s get our ducks on the same page,” our brain recognizes the idioms “get your ducks in a row” and “get on the same page.”
The humor comes from the unexpected combination.
For example, saying “We’ll cross that bridge when the cookie crumbles” might be a humorous way to say “We’ll deal with it when it happens” while acknowledging that things might not go as planned.
Why People Use Malaphors
People use malaphors for a few reasons:
- Humor: They’re often funny because of the unexpected combination of phrases.
- Creativity: They can be a creative way to express an idea.
- Memorability: They tend to be memorable, making them useful in speeches or writing.
- Cultural Commentary: They can highlight how language is used and sometimes misused.
The Humor of Malaphors
Malaphors are inherently funny because they play with language in unexpected ways.
They work on a few levels:
- Cognitive Dissonance: Our brains recognize the familiar idioms but are thrown off by the unexpected combination.
- Surprise: The humor often comes from the element of surprise—hearing something we didn’t expect.
- Insight: Sometimes, malaphors accidentally create a new meaning that’s surprisingly insightful.
More Examples of Malaphors
Here are some more classic malaphors:
- Burning the midnight oil at both ends: Combining “burning the midnight oil” and “burning the candle at both ends.”
- We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it: A mix of “burn your bridges” and “cross that bridge when you come to it.”
- He’s not the sharpest cookie in the jar: Blending “sharpest tool in the shed” and “smartest cookie.”
- Don’t count your chickens before they hatch: A twist on “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched” and “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
- Let’s get our ducks on the same page: Combining “get your ducks in a row” and “get on the same page.”
Malaphors vs. Other Linguistic Blends
It’s easy to confuse malaphors with other types of linguistic blends, but there are some key differences.
Malapropisms
A malapropism is when you use a word incorrectly, often because it sounds similar to the word you intended to use. For example, saying “He’s the pineapple of politeness” instead of “pinnacle.”
The key difference between malapropisms and malaphors is that malapropisms involve individual words, while malaphors involve entire phrases or idioms.
Mixed Metaphors
Mixed metaphors combine two different metaphors in a way that doesn't make logical sense. For example, "The hand that rocks the cradle kicks the bucket" combines unrelated metaphors about influence and death.
While malaphors specifically blend two idioms or common phrases, mixed metaphors can involve any metaphorical expressions and aren't always based on established phrases.
Portmanteaus
A portmanteau blends two words to create a new one. For example, “brunch” is a portmanteau of “breakfast” and “lunch.”
While both involve blending, portmanteaus combine words, while malaphors combine idioms.
Creating Your Own Malaphors
Making your own malaphors is a fun way to play with language.
Here’s how to create them:
- Start with a Common Idiom: Think of a familiar phrase like “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
- Find Another Idiom with a Similar Meaning: Look for another phrase that conveys a similar idea, like “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.”
- Mix and Match: Combine parts of the two idioms to create a new phrase. You might end up with “Don’t count all your eggs before they hatch.”
- Have Fun with It: Don’t worry about making perfect sense. The humor often comes from the absurdity.
Tips for Crafting Impactful Malaphors
- Know Your Audience: Make sure your audience is familiar with the original idioms.
- Keep It Short: The best malaphors are usually concise.
- Use Sparingly: A well-timed malaphor can be hilarious, but overusing them might lose its charm.
Malaphors in Communication
Malaphors aren’t just for laughs—they can also be a creative tool in communication.
In Writing
Authors and journalists sometimes use malaphors to add humor or draw attention to a particular point.
For example, a columnist might write, “Politicians are quick to throw their hats into the ring when the chips are down,” combining “throw your hat into the ring” and “when the chips are down.”
In Speeches
A well-placed malaphor in a speech can make the audience laugh and help them remember the message.
For example, a manager might say, “Let’s not put all our eggs in the same basket case,” to emphasize the importance of diversifying efforts.
In Everyday Language
Malaphors can also be a fun way to inject humor into everyday conversations.
Saying something like, “We’re not out of the woods yet, but at least we’re barking up the right tree,” can lighten the mood and make people smile.
Final Thoughts
Malaphors are a playful way to explore the richness and quirks of language. They show how familiar phrases can be twisted into something new and humorous.
Whether you’re using them for comedic effect or as a creative communication tool, malaphors remind us that language is a living, evolving thing—and that sometimes, the best way to say something is to mix it up.