A slip of the pen/tongue
phrase
A small error or mistake in speaking or writing.
He didn't mean to reveal the secret; it was just a slip of the tongue.
Often appears as...
- make a slip of the tongue
- was a slip of the pen
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Unintentionally saying something that is embarrassing, incorrect or secret.
My comment was by a slip of the tongue, I did not mean to hurt her feelings.
Often appears as...
- a freudian slip
- a verbal slip
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
A situation where a person speaks without thinking or by mistake.
I made a slip of the tongue when I called my boss by her husband's name.
Often appears as...
- a blundering slip of the tongue
- an unfortunate slip of the tongue
Usage tips
Academic
phrase
A small error or mistake in speaking or writing.
He didn't mean to reveal the secret; it was just a slip of the tongue.
Often appears as...
- make a slip of the tongue
- was a slip of the pen
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Unintentionally saying something that is embarrassing, incorrect or secret.
My comment was by a slip of the tongue, I did not mean to hurt her feelings.
Often appears as...
- a freudian slip
- a verbal slip
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
A situation where a person speaks without thinking or by mistake.
I made a slip of the tongue when I called my boss by her husband's name.
Often appears as...
- a blundering slip of the tongue
- an unfortunate slip of the tongue
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Accidental Disclosure
Used when someone accidentally reveals information that was supposed to be confidential or private.
He mentioned the surprise party; it was a slip of the tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Corrections
Refers to minor mistakes while writing, often amended through editing or proofreading.
Erroneously writing '2012' instead of '2021' was a slip of the pen.
Pro Tip 3/3No Harm Intended
Suggests the mistake was unintentional and the speaker or writer did not aim to offend or confuse.
It was a slip of the tongue when I used your old title; I meant no disrespect.
Pro Tip 1/3Accidental Disclosure
Used when someone accidentally reveals information that was supposed to be confidential or private.
He mentioned the surprise party; it was a slip of the tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Corrections
Refers to minor mistakes while writing, often amended through editing or proofreading.
Erroneously writing '2012' instead of '2021' was a slip of the pen.
Pro Tip 3/3No Harm Intended
Suggests the mistake was unintentional and the speaker or writer did not aim to offend or confuse.
It was a slip of the tongue when I used your old title; I meant no disrespect.
Pro Tip 1/3Accidental Disclosure
Used when someone accidentally reveals information that was supposed to be confidential or private.
He mentioned the surprise party; it was a slip of the tongue.
Pro Tip 2/3Writing Corrections
Refers to minor mistakes while writing, often amended through editing or proofreading.
Erroneously writing '2012' instead of '2021' was a slip of the pen.
Pro Tip 3/3No Harm Intended
Suggests the mistake was unintentional and the speaker or writer did not aim to offend or confuse.
It was a slip of the tongue when I used your old title; I meant no disrespect.
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