"Ironing the Bugs Out": Mixed Metaphors

Authors

Don Hauptman

Abstract

The mixed metaphor has long been vilified by language lovers. After all, a metaphor per se is often a stretch. The attempt to combine two or more vastly dissimilar figures of speech usually result in a jarring incongruity and an absurd image. Such clashes are often amusing, although the humor is strictly unintentional.

Recommended Citation

Hauptman, Don (2001) ""Ironing the Bugs Out": Mixed Metaphors," Word Ways: Vol. 34 : Iss. 3 , Article 21.
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/wordways/vol34/iss3/21