What does solecism mean?
A solecism is a conspicuous error in syntax or wording, such as an awkward misuse of grammar that creates an immediate comic effect. The word can also refer more broadly to a faulty proposition or a fallacy in reasoning. Because a solecism is usually a recognizable and memorable lapse rather than an obscure technical error, it is often used in edited prose, literary criticism, and discussion of language. An author might intentionally introduce one to create comic dialogue, while a critic might identify one in an argument to expose faulty reasoning. The term is more common in formal or literary contexts than in everyday conversation, and its tone can range from gently humorous to sharply disapproving. It is particularly useful when a sentence has a definite grammatical defect or a clearly invalid logical step, rather than expressing a general impression of poor quality.
nounA conspicuous error in syntax or wording, often humorous; more broadly, a faulty proposition or fallacy in reasoning.
- A conspicuous error in syntax or wording, especially one that sounds awkward, comic, or deliberately illiterate.
- A faulty proposition, logical fallacy, or error in reasoning.
"Her opening line, “I seen the problem before,” was a deliberate solecism that drew a laugh."
"His habit of saying “the team lost the game worse” was such a memorable solecism that it became a joke among his friends."
"The argument contains a subtle solecism because it assumes that correlation proves causation."
The regular plural is “solecisms,” used for individual errors in expression or reasoning.
"The editor removed two grammatical solecisms from the manuscript."
Sometimes a sentence does not merely sound wrong—it gets caught in its own grammar; that stumble is a solecism.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of solecism
The English word comes through Latin from Ancient Greek σολεκισμός (solekismós), a term associated with a faulty argument or expression. The Greek word was used for a logical trap or fallacy, while the English use later broadened to include conspicuous mistakes of syntax and wording. The form now common in English dates from the early nineteenth century.
Related word forms
How solecism is actually used
Formal or literary in tone, but often used playfully to describe an amusing grammatical stumble. It may indicate either a minor error in expression or a serious flaw in reasoning, depending on context.
Easily confused with solecism
A sophism is primarily a deceptive or fallacious argument, whereas a solecism is more commonly a conspicuous error of syntax or wording, though it can also denote a logical fallacy.