pataquès

See also: pataques

French

Etymology

From the erroneous example phrase je ne sais pas-t-à qu'est-ce.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /pa.ta.kɛs/

Noun

pataquès m (plural pataquès)

1. intrusive s, intrusive t (a type of speech error whereby a word-final /t/ or /s/ is pronounced for euphony, though it is not part of the word's spelling)
2. malapropism
3. (colloquial) jumble, muddle

Usage notes

• In some cases, a pataquès becomes part of standard correct French, as in the -t- inserted into question-constructions such as A-t-il mangé le sandwich?

Further reading

• “pataquès”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.