Malapropos

Malapropos describes something said or done at an inappropriate or inopportune time; out of place. It often refers to comments or actions that are ill-timed, tactless, or that miss the mark in the given social or situational context. The term implies a lack of judgment, social awareness, or sensitivity. A Malapropos remark can range from mildly amusing to deeply offensive, depending on the situation and the content of the comment. It highlights a miscalculation in timing or appropriateness, potentially causing embarrassment, offense, or simply a disruption to the established flow or decorum. The core concept is the violation of accepted social norms or expectations regarding when and how certain things are communicated or enacted.

Malapropos meaning with examples

• At the memorial service, while everyone was somber, Sarah’s sudden announcement of her engagement felt incredibly malapropos. The joyful news disrupted the solemn atmosphere, highlighting her insensitive timing and lack of understanding regarding the appropriateness of her comment, making others uncomfortable with the moment.
• During the negotiation, the CEO's off-hand comment about the competitor's questionable business practices was painfully malapropos. It not only damaged the negotiations but also came across as unprofessional and demonstrated his poor judgment, potentially costing his company the lucrative deal.
• After the accident, while tending to the injured, the overly jovial ambulance driver’s jokes were horribly malapropos. His attempt at humor during such a serious and sensitive situation caused shock. It created a sense of disrespect for the victims and their pain, and made him seem out of touch.
• In a tense courtroom, the defendant's laughter at the prosecutor's arguments was considered highly malapropos. It demonstrated a lack of respect for the proceedings and the severity of the charges and gave the jury a negative view of his character by showing a lack of remorse or concern.
• During a heated discussion about climate change, the politician's seemingly dismissive remark about 'eco-friendly' ice cream was undoubtedly malapropos. It minimized the gravity of the issue and presented him as unserious or ill-prepared, thereby losing the respect of listeners.