Standard Lemma guide

Ringoism

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A term to describe accidental, unusual, or poetic malapropisms, especially those said by Beatle Ringo Starr.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I had used it in In His Own Write, but it was an off-the-cuff remark by Ringo Starr, one of those malapropisms – a Ringoism – said not to be funny, just said. So Dick Leser said, ‘We are going to use that title,’ and the next morning I brought in the song. — John Lennon

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Ringo + -ism; penned by John Lennon of The Beatles in reference to the frequent malapropisms spoken by Ringo Starr, drummer of the Beatles. Possible pun on jingoism.