Trivia Tuesday – Spoonerisms
September 1st, 2009 |Sappy Heptember! Oh geeze, I mean…
You may have verbally stumbled across this little dyslexic-esque speech error, or possibly even created one intentionally on your own. Switching corresponding letters or morphemes creates this unique lexical phenomenon: Spoonerisms. More accurately referred to as metathesis, the term Spooonerism is attributed to Reverend William Archibald Spooner, who was oft to make these particular blunders. Honestly the man had a real way with words: “Son, it is now kisstomary to cuss the bride.” And reprimanding a student for “hissing my mystery lecture”. I can only hope to achieve such quality flubs – my current productions have hit somewhat below the mark so far. I can recall commenting on my “litchy eggs” and “fime crighting lizards” (the original origin of the last phrase currently escapes me).
