A pun uses a word or phrase, often in a comical light, to emphasize or hint at its different meaning or application. The words often sound alike, but differ in their definitions or context.
A malapropism is typically the unintentional misuse of a word, often in ridiculous manner, that results from the confusion between two words that sound similar or alike. (The word malapropism means "inappropriate," or in some cases, "wrong on purpose.") A malapropism becomes more satirical when the word is misused on purpose.
Pun Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U7XWAJKC2s&safe=active
In this video, the female speaker uses puns as a way to communicate humor to her audience. One example of a pun can be seen in the example with the fish, where two fish are swimming in a body of water and one runs into a concrete wall. The fish then exclaims, "Dam!" Although the word "damn" is often associated with the negative connotation as a cuss word or in a religious context, the word "dam" is similar in sound but has a different meaning.
Malapropism Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc1XAWnyK-0
In this video, the malapropism constantly referred to by the news reporter is Bush's misuse of the word "authoritative." Instead, he constantly uses the word "authoritarian," which has a different meaning. Authoritarian carries a negative connotation. It shares meaning with dictator or tyrant. Authoritative is having an authority on an issue. This is an example of a malapropism in which the confusion of similar-sounding words results.
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