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Is there a word or phrase for using overspecific, incorrect language intentionally?

English Language & Usage Asked on September 23, 2020

A comedian I like calls vampires "Draculas", with the specificity as well as the incorrectness (there is only one Dracula, but many vampires) being a source of humor. Is there a word for this language technique? It almost feels like a relative of synecdoche.

One Answer

Using a proper name to stand in for a common one, or vice versa, is called antonomasia.

Correct answer by joseph_morris on September 23, 2020

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