Chapter 2 Word Choice
101
malapropisms part 4:
protege/prodigy, regime/regimen ,
renounce/denounce
When the wrong word tumbles out of your mouth, one that sounds
like the one you MEANT to use, you've probably used a
malapropism.
Most everyone in the business has done it, including Mrs. B. Take a
minute to consider these.
A "protege" (PRO-ti-zhay) is one who is trained by a person who has
a lot of experience in that field.
v
She's a PROTEGE of the best producer in our shop.
A "prodigy" (PRAH-duh-jee) is an extremely talented child.
v
We'll run the PRODIGY story in the third block, right after the
one on the conservatory getting its funding.
"Regime" is a form of government.
v
The Taliban REGIME fell hard.
A "regimen" is a plan or course of action.
v
Your daily REGIMEN needs to include exercise and sleep.
"Renounce" means to refuse to follow or obey.
v
For Afghans to RENOUNCE the Taliban regime usually meant
death.
"Denounce" means to criticize.
v
Who wouldn't DENOUNCE the sexual exploitation of children.
