How do you make spoonerisms?

A spoonerism is an accidental or intentional error in speech in which letters, or parts of words are switched. For example, one might refer to a "blushing crow" when they meant to say a "crushing blow." Or, as I once accidentally quipped, any "prosecutors will be violated." Oops.

Many years ago my parents were having a 'disagreement', and my brother and I were the audience. At one point my father said "You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear", an old saying, referring to the silky softness of a pig's ear skin. My mother answered back angrily, "Oh yes you CAN make a silk purse out of a sear's ow!" No more anger; laughter prevailed. And we'll never forget the sow's ear story.

Spooner himself is reported to have said the following. He was a religious man, and in his day the pews in most churches were assigned to families. You have probably been inside old churches where the entrances to pews are actually closed with gates. Spooner went to church one day and found someone sitting where he expected to sit himself. "Pardon me, sir." he said. "You're occupewing my pie."

Just let your mind wander and think of various two word phrases. Listen to others talk. Don't wait for them to make a spoonerism, just pick up on various two word phrases or combinations like the one credited to Spooner, above. Before long you will find yourself coming out with hilarious spoonerisms.

I just thought of one. Maybe you have heard the expressiong "when pigs fly", meaning NEVER. "John will get around to doing the lawn". "Oh, yeah. He'll get around to doing the lawn when fligs pie!"