mixed-up cliches

[Bunky]

I am new and kinda clumsy at this.
I have a question. What is the term for a phrase that is a mixed cliche? The only example I know is: "you butter your bread, you lie in it." I knew someone who could rhyme these off non-stop, and it was hilarious.
Thanks.
Bunky

[Tdol]

I don't know of a specific term for it, but I hope someone else does.

[rewboss]

It's called a mixed metaphor.

The classic British sitcom Yes, Minister often featured mixed metaphors. These were often uttered by the main character, Jim Hacker, a government minister; and then corrected by his pedantic Private Secretary Bernard.

For example, Hacker might say something like, "But we can't do this! It's a minefield! It's a political graveyard!" and Bernard would respond with, "Actually, Minister, you can't have a minefield in a graveyard, because all the corpses would just sort of go 'boom'."

[Tdol]

Hmm, I was hoping there was a grand latinate term.

[Humble]

I think what is meant is a combination of cliches for a humorous purpose, so it's not necessarily a metaphor.

[BobK]

I think what is meant is a combination of cliches for a humorous purpose, so it's not necessarily a metaphor.

I agree.

He opens his mouth isn't a metaphor, although there's the hint of a metaphor there, as it implies '... [to talk about something that isn't his business]'.

He puts his foot in it is a metaphor all right.

But "Whenever he opens his mouth, he puts his foot in it' seems to me to be something more. I think Tdol's right (either Latinate or Greek).

b

[rewboss]

Well, Bunky did talk about "mixed clichés", and provided an example of what is usually called a mixed metaphor.

"He opened his mouth" is not only not a metaphor, it is also not a cliché.

[BobK]

How about Catachresis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ?

[rewboss]

Catachresis is a very broad term; it encompasses many different types of error.

[Tdol]

Anyone know enough Latin or Greek to invent one?