Definition

Noun: An unintentional, minor error made while speaking; something said by mistake that was not what the speaker intended to say.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe a spoken mistake, often a small substitution of one word for another. It implies the error was accidental and not deliberate. It is typically used to excuse or explain such a mistake.

Examples

• He didn't mean to call her by his ex-wife's name; it was just a slip of the tongue.
• The politician's slip of the tongue during the speech caused a brief moment of confusion.
• "I'm sorry, I said 'expensive' when I meant 'expansive.' That was a slip of the tongue."

Advanced Usage

• Freudian slip: A specific type of slip of the tongue that is thought to reveal a subconscious thought or feeling.
  • Calling your teacher "mom" is a classic Freudian slip.

Variants and Related Words

• Slip-up (n): A more general term for a minor mistake or error.
  • There were a few slip-ups in the report that need correcting.
• Misspeak (v): To speak incorrectly or in a misleading way.
  • I must have misspoken; the meeting is on Thursday, not Friday.

Synonyms

• Verbal error
• Misspeaking
• Lapsus linguae (a formal, Latin-derived term)

Related Phrases

• A slip of the pen: The written equivalent; an accidental error in writing.
  • The wrong date in the letter was a slip of the pen.

Noun

1. an accidental and usually trivial mistake in speaking