Spoonerism

The Reverend William Archibald Spooner (1844 - 1930) had a highly active brain which raced so quickly that his tongue could not keep up with his thoughts. So, many a times, the initial sounds of 2 or more words would be switched which would mean something entirely different from what he intended. Thus Spoonerism was born.

Pre - Spoonerism - Spoonerism

butterfly - flutter by
ease my tears - tease my ears
lighting a fire - fighting a liar
our loving shepherd - our shoving leopard

etc etc. You understand... Now these aren't as big a deal as you might think. But here are a few more sentences that could lead to very unfortunate examples of Spoonerism. (These are not attributed to Rev. Spooner but are just examples of how Spoonerism could be a bad thing:

1. It's, "The Tale of Two Cities"
2. Sir, you certainly are a shining wit.
3. She is sure pretty.
4. He fills her soul with hope.
5. Have you seen her sick duck?
6. He's not a pheasant plucker.
7. She showed me her tool kits.
8. He's a smart fella.
9. Oh! The suffering of purgery on my soul!!
10. Fire Truck.
11. The acrobats displayed some cunning stunts.

Decipher and enjoy.

xx

M