Malapropism

 

Malapropism is a verbal or written blunder by switching or swapping a wrong word (intentional or unintentional) to a word with the same chime or sound as the intended word. 

If it is intentional, some people resort to malapropism (like stand-up comedians) to pull off a comic stunt ... or they come off with humor lines provoking laughter and mirth.

If it is unintentional ... word retrieval problems are usually age-related changes in the brain ... or mental health conditions ... at times neurological.

In malapropism, if the intention is to make people laugh ... well and good ...  but if the person is tongue-tied because he is groping for words ... a situation where the person is having trouble finding the right word ... to finish his statement.

There is a blackout in the person. Instead, he switched or swapped some words to a word that sounded like the intended word.

Statement: The political pundit stated in his column: "I am waiting with BAITED breath ... if the VP will really be impeached.

What It Should Be: I am waiting with BATED breath ... if the VP will really be impeached.