177. Diction, Faulty

1. Ace, Jane (1905–1974) radio personality, remembered for sayings such as “up at the crank of dawn.” [Radio: “Easy Aces” in Buxton, 74–75]
2. Amos ‘n’ Andy early radio buffoons who distorted language: “I’se regusted!” [Radio: Buxton, 13–14]
3. Bottom, Nick tradesman-actor who constantly misuses words. [Br. Drama: Shakespeare A Midsummer Night’s Dream ]
4. Claudius because he stammered, held in little esteem as emperor. [Br. Lit.: I, Claudius ]
5. Clouseau, Inspector Jacques infamous, tongue-tripping French detective. [Am. Cinema: The Pink Panther in Halliwell, 565]
6. Dean, Dizzy (1911–1974) famous baseball pitcher turned sports announcer: “He slud inta t’ird.” [Radio: Buxton, 223]
7. Dean, James (1931–1955) actor whose inarticulateness epitomized the anti-eloquence of American youth in the 1950s. [Am. Cinema: Griffith, 423]
8. Demosthenes (384–322 B.C.) learned proper diction by practicing with mouth full of pebbles. [Gk. Hist.: NCE, 744]
9. Dogberry constable who garbles every phrase he speaks. [Br. Drama: Benét, 277]
10. Doolittle, Eliza Cockney flower girl transformed from guttersnipe to lady via better English. [Br. Lit.: Pygmalion ]
11. Ephraimites identified as enemy by mispronunciation of “shibboleth.” [O.T.: Judges 12:6]
12. Fudd, Elmer disgruntled little man, stammers out his frustration at impish rabbit. [TV: “The Bugs Bunny Show” in Terrace, I, 125]
13. Malaprop, Mrs. eponymous blunderer in word usage. [Br. Drama: Benét, 623]
14. Partington, Mrs. foolish old lady who constantly misuses words. [Am. Lit.: Brewer Dictionary, 681]
15. Pig, Porky stuttering porcine character in film cartoons. [Comics: Horn, 562–563]
16. Pip how orphan Philip Pirrup says his name. [Br. Lit.: Great Expectations ]
17. Spooner, Rev. W. A. (1844–1930) legendary for transposing initial sounds: “our queer dean Mary”; hence, spoonerism. [Br. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 1029]
18. Sylvester the lisping feline star of film cartoons. [TV: “The Bugs Bunny Show” in Terrace, I, 125]