Final answer:
A 'malapropism' is when a similar-sounding but incorrect word is used in place of the intended word, often creating a humorous effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the word 'malapropism' corresponds with option 2: A mistake in speech or writing where a word is used incorrectly in place of a similar-sounding word. Malapropisms occur when a word is substituted with another word that sounds similar but has a different meaning, often resulting in a humorous effect. This concept differs from other forms of figurative language such as similes, metaphors, and hyperbole, which use language creatively or symbolically rather than incorrectly. Malapropism is not a trope, a type of irony, or a type of wordplay in the traditional sense. It is simply an error, although one that could be deliberately used for comedic effect in literature or speech.