Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
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Thanks for your understanding.
Chris -- 2018-04-11
Both are musical terms, so I can see where the confusion comes from. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dict.asp?Word=medley defines medley as: “an arrangement made from a series of melodies, often from various sources.” It’s tough to search for… I had to use “melody of X” with a specific X. I’m sure there are many others floating around.
“Halibut, cod, and Lings were rising up to cut-plugs, in these shallow waters. It is a melody of fish our guests are taking home.” http://www.westcoastfishingclub.com/lod … l2006.html
“Melody of Fish served with a Prawn & Dill Sauce” http://www.wolskis.co.uk/pdfs/Functions_at_Wolskis.pdf
“Chef selects prawns, baby octopus and a melody of fish in a creamy volute served with steamed mussels and toasted ciabatta bread.” http://www.lifestylefood.com.au/recipes … sp?id=1611
“Melody of Vegetables & Minted New Potatoes in Skins” http://www.staffscountyshowground.co.uk/pavilion.htm
“Vegetable Mousaka – A melody of vegetables with grilled parmesan topping.” http://www.smithfieldhotel.co.uk/menu.html
“Traditional Japanese cuisine, shrimp or prawns, along with a melody of vegetables are dipped into a light tempura batter and lightly fried.” http://www.kikkoman-usa.com/general/japanese_food.asp
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I think this is a malapropism rather than an eggcorn, but it’s delightful. I knew these two words were occasionally confused, but I’d never thought to go looking at the types of phrases in which the confusion occurs. A “melody of fish” (7 hits!) is simultaneously icky and kinda beautiful.
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Google counts on Apr. 7, 2007
18,600 “medley of hits”
9 “melody of hits” – eggcorn. (Other variations could produce additional examples)
Analysis by Joe Krozel
All the previous examples of medley/melody mixups pertained to food, so the construction really couldn’t be anything other than a malapropism in that context. But, as Puddy points out, “medley” and “melody” are both musical terms, and there’s bound to be some confusion in the that realm which leads to an eggcorn: The transformation of a “medley of hits” (i.e., a sequence of songs) to a “melody of hits” makes sense because the melody line progresses with the change from song to song. Whence, an eggcorn.
Examples:
BadGalsRadio – Fo Real Doh !! » 2006 » FebruaryHe has handpicked 120 dancers and has spent days rehearsing his live act – which will be a melody of hits including ‘Diamonds from Sierra Leone’ and ‘Gold …
badgals-radio.com/?m=20060214 – 51k – Cached – Similar pages
Insider NewsletterA melody of hits from the Mikado will be performed in Japanese kimonos. Vocal Ensemble Offers Holiday Concert: Designed to get listeners in a holiday mood, ...
www.collegeofthedesert.edu/FacultyStaff … sp?id=1768 – 79k – Cached – Similar pages
Al Green On Tour – CBS NewsSinger, songwriter and nine-time Grammy winning artist Al Green sang a melody of hits on his visit to The Early Show Plaza. RELATED VIDEO …
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/05/24/earl … 0132.shtml – 87k – Cached – Similar pages
Rosa’s StuffThe show continues with a melody of hits from the World War II era. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Moonlight Seranade, and string of pearls. ...
www.rosasstuff.blogspot.com/ – 40k – Cached – Similar pages
Last edited by jorkel (2007-04-07 09:26:42)
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My niece this evening referred to a recipe requiring a melody of spices. I checked to make sure – yes, a melody of oregano, basil and marjoram was called for. I vote beautiful melodious eggcorn.
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