The most commonly misheard sayings include ‘scapegoat’ and ‘damp squib’
The most commonly misheard sayings include ‘scapegoat’, ‘damp squib’ and being on ‘tenterhooks’.
A poll of 2,000 adults found ‘wriggle room’ is frequently used after mishearing it, while others have mistakenly thought ‘nip in the bud’ was actually ‘nip in the butt’.
‘Chomping at the bit’ is another phrase many have used incorrectly – as it should be ‘champing’ – and some have been ‘biting’ their time, rather than ‘biding’.
Nearly half (46 per cent) admit they have used at least one of the common misheard sayings – officially known as ‘eggcorns’.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has team up with Gyles Brandreth to launch its ‘Misheard Manifesto’, that aims to bring to an end to these incorrect phrases.
A poll of 2,000 adults found ‘wriggle room’ is frequently used after mishearing it, while others have mistakenly thought ‘nip in the bud’ was actually ‘nip in the butt’.
‘Chomping at the bit’ is another phrase many have used incorrectly – as it should be ‘champing’ – and some have been ‘biting’ their time, rather than ‘biding’.
Nearly half (46 per cent) admit they have used at least one of the common misheard sayings – officially known as ‘eggcorns’.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has team up with Gyles Brandreth to launch its ‘Misheard Manifesto’, that aims to bring to an end to these incorrect phrases.