miscall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (literary, archaic, or specialized use)Formal/Literary/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “miscall” mean?
To call someone or something by a wrong or inappropriate name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To call someone or something by a wrong or inappropriate name.
To insult someone by using offensive names; to make an error in naming or identification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Rare in both varieties, but slightly more attested in historical British texts. The insulting sense is more commonly preserved in UK dialects.
Connotations
In UK usage, often implies a deliberate, scornful misnaming. In US usage, may lean more towards accidental misidentification.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern corpora for both. Mostly encountered in historical literature or poetic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “miscall” in a Sentence
SUBJ + miscall + OBJ (person/thing)SUBJ + miscall + OBJ + as + COMPLEMENTVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “miscall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old gentleman would often miscall his grandchildren, confusing their names.
- He was miscalled a traitor by those who did not know the truth.
American English
- Tourists frequently miscall that building, thinking it's the city hall.
- She felt miscalled and insulted by the reporter's harsh label.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in historical linguistics or literary analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare. 'Call the wrong name' or 'mix up' are used instead.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “miscall”
- Using it in modern casual speech sounds unnatural.
- Confusing it with 'to misscall' (non-standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English. It is considered archaic or literary.
Yes, a strong secondary meaning is to insult or revile someone by using an offensive name.
They are close synonyms. 'Miscall' can sound more old-fashioned and can carry a stronger connotation of insult.
No, the 'call' in 'miscall' means 'to name or address someone', not 'to telephone'.
To call someone or something by a wrong or inappropriate name.
Miscall is usually formal/literary/archaic in register.
Miscall: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈkɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɪsˈkɔl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIS (wrong) + CALL (to name) = to call by a wrong name.
Conceptual Metaphor
NAME-CALLING IS ERRONEOUS LABELING / VERBAL ABUSE
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'miscall'?