Word for Wednesday: Misnomer

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In Word for Wednesday this week, we’ll be discussing the highly practical, yet underused word, ‘misnomer’.

A misnomer, in modern days is simply something incorrectly or misleadingly named. Its origins are potentially much more sinister: historically, a misnomer was someone wrongly convicted for the crimes of another.

The word misnomer, however, should be an easy one to remember… think ‘misnomer - misnamed’.

Here are just a few:

  • Starfish (not a type of fish)
  • Pencil lead (graphite)
  • Funny bone (the ‘funny’ sensation caused by the ulnar nerve and not a bone)

How many misnomers can you come up with?


22 Oct 2014
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"This is a fantastic opportunity for our students!  I'm sure Spellzone will be invaluable in helping them to improve their spellings and therefore improve the quality of their writing in all subject areas!"

Teacher, High School, UK