I haven’t posted anything in the Wordplay series in a while. Here’s one that’s right on target with the moment. Enjoy!
MISNOMER [mis•no•mer]
noun
Etymology: From Anglo-Norman mesnomer, noun use of Anglo-Norman and Old French verb mesnomer (“to name incorrectly”), from mes- (“mis-”) + nomer (“to name”) (from Latin nōmināre).
The Wordplay:
Misnomer is a rarely used yet very relevant word in today’s world. In spite of a very popular definition believed by many, a misnomer is NOT the placement of the wrong kind of yard decorations (the ones with the pointy hats). The actual definition of the word is: incorrect or unsuitable name or term for a person or thing.
Examples: “failing bank” or “failed bank” “cash wealth” “borrowed money” “a loan” “credit card” ‘credit score” “fiscal responsibility” “economic recovery”
See also: contradiction,lie, fraud.
