Malapropism, misuse of words, call it what you may…

Sleek and good outlook, outlook fashion
Now what comes to your mind when you read that? A lot I am sure but I’m guessing that the usage of the word outlook would be something that would strike you as inappropriate. Well, last week I came across this word twice, one in a boutique’s tag line and the other time in a home appliances brochure. Both I’m assuming was suggested by a literate person.
What does the word outlook mean? When I checked dictionary.com this is what I found…

Outlook
–noun
1. The view or prospect from a particular place.
2. Mental attitude or view; point of view: one's outlook on life.
3. Prospect of the future: the political outlook.
4. The place from which an observer looks out; lookout.
5. The act or state of looking out.
6. A watch kept; vigilance; lookout: a careful outlook to prevent forest fires.

Origin:
1660–70; out- + look

Synonyms:
1, 3. Scene 2. Attitude, viewpoint, position, approach.


Interesting and I’m sure most people would already know what it means. Then how is it that this word appears in wrong context most of the time? Well, to tell the truth this is not the only word that is misused most of the time. A lot of us are guilty of this charge; don’t we all send out or receive emails that are proof of this? In a professional environment this misuse of word can have varying effect. Yes, you might not lose your job for using the wrong word but that doesn’t always mean it will go unnoticed. Imagine doing this in an interview. Yes, your mastery of the English language may not be minutely scrutinised, but that doesn’t mean you can get away with it easily either, especially when the word that you might use could have a completely unacceptable actual meaning. Though the chances for this might seem slim, it doesn’t really hurt to actually learn the language. After all that is another skill that you would be acquiring, and experience teaches that everything that you learn and acquire has something to teach and offer.
So what could be the right remedy for this very common problem that all of us non-native speakers seem to be trudging in everyday? Firstly all of acknowledge the fact that there is no end to learning and secondly don’t forget that today being able to converse fluently in English has become a necessity, so whether you like it or not, brush up your language skills, starting now. There are millions of books that can help you do that and all that you would need is interest. Accept your weakness and make it your agenda to work on your vocabulary and language and after you do that I don’t think it would be very difficult to start your self-tutoring sessions.