hypercorrection
n. in linguistics, the use of an incorrect form or pronunciation in a mistaken belief that this is more formal or correct than the one generally used. Hypercorrection usually arises from false analogy, half-remembered rules learned in childhood, or an exaggerated fear of using nonstandard or lower-class forms. Common examples in English are the incorrect use of whom rather than who in, for example, Whomever is responsible for this, and the use of I rather than me in, for example, She was referring to you and I.