Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
You are not logged in.
Registrations are currently closed because of a technical problem. Please send email to
The forum administrator reserves the right to request users to plausibly demonstrate that they are real people with an interest in the topic of eggcorns. Otherwise they may be removed with no further justification. Likewise, accounts that have not been used for posting may be removed.
Thanks for your understanding.
Chris -- 2018-04-11
Today, while discussing Oprah and Jesus, I stumbled upon what I think is an eggcorn. My friend, while elaborating on Jesus’s charitable nature, said that Jesus helped “the poor and the people with the leopard spots.”
I’m no biblical scholar, so it’s possible that there’s a parable about leopard-spotted people, but I’m pretty sure that she was refering to lepers.
Since it was spoken, I think we can rule out misspelling, and she enunciated it well, so I don’t think I missunderstood. And while not meaning the same thing, it does make sense.
So, what do you think? Eggcorn or not eggcorn?
Offline
Definitely an eggcorn. And it’s a very cute story to boot. I’m guessing you were too nice to even point it out to your friend!
Offline
No, if there’s a polite way to interject a correction of someone’s choice of words while their advocating faith and charity, I haven’t found it.
Offline
Months ago a couple posters discussed eggcorn etiquette (see link below if interested). I think a few of us have concluded that it’s no big deal because virtually everyone has uttered their share of eggcorns: And, eggcorn seem to arise by just one principle: “Nothing is obvious to the uninformed.” Most of the time it’s just fine not to point out the errors of others unless you suspect someone is going to embarrass themselves in a big way in the future. But then again, it’s a really tough call.
‘tyrant of abuse’ for ‘torrent/tirade of abuse’ by Peter Forster Contribute! 1 2006-11-06 16:55:54 by patschwieterman
Last edited by jorkel (2007-04-11 21:01:11)
Offline
In several student essays, I’ve seen things like,”People will treat you like a social outcast and a leopard.” After all, would you want to hang around with a big cat?
Offline
And back again:
A leper never changes its spots
27 Ghits
On the plain in Spain where it mainly rains.
Offline