cacology

Definitions

from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

  • noun A bad choice of words in writing or speaking; also, vicious pronunciation.

Examples

  • Even Shakespeare might have been glad of such an opportunity to enlarge the cacology, by actual hearing, of some of his most amusing characters.

    Old New England Traits

  • As to prose, I don't know Addison's from Johnson's; but I will try to mend my cacology.

    Life of Lord Byron, Vol. 3 (of 6) With His Letters and Journals

  • Chambers gives several interesting words with the caco - root, eg "cacoepy", bad pronunciation, "cacology", also bad pronunciation and bad choice of words as well.

    Ephems of BLB

  • For his part, Jermaine's continual stumping on his leadership abilities to the media in addition to the occasional cacology never helped raise his standing amongst the fan base.

    Indy Cornrows

Note

The word 'cacology' comes from the Greek root 'caco-' meaning 'bad' and '-logy'.