freudian slip

IPA/ˌfrɔɪdiən ˈslɪp/
IPA/ˌfrɔɪdiən ˈslɪp/

freudian slip — noun

1. an accidental mistake in speaking that shows what you are secretly thinking or f

1.nounB2
Definition

an accidental mistake in speaking that shows what you are secretly thinking or feeling, especially about something you did not want to admit

Example

Yuki made a Freudian slip during her interview, calling her boss 'useless' instead of 'helpful'.

make a Freudian slip — unintentionally revealing honest opinion

The senator's Freudian slip on live television revealed his real opinion about the education bill.

possessive: [person]'s Freudian slip — revealing hidden view

Common collocations
  • make a Freudian slip
  • a classic Freudian slip
  • a Freudian slip reveals
  • a Freudian slip of the tongue
Synonyms
  • slip of the tongue

    broader term for any accidental verbal mistake, not necessarily tied to hidden thoughts

  • lapsus linguae

    formal Latin term used in psychology; very rare in everyday speech

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

a Freudian slip

make a Freudian slip

Usage Note

Frequently used in informal conversation to describe verbal mistakes that reveal hidden feelings. The term is named after Sigmund Freud, who argued that such errors expose unconscious thoughts. Distinguish from a simple 'slip of the tongue', which may be a random error without psychological significance.

Common Mistakes

I made a Freudian slip when I forgot my keys at home.
I made a Freudian slip when I called my boyfriend by my ex's name.
A Freudian slip is a speaking mistake that reveals a hidden thought, not just any absent-minded error.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three describe speaking mistakes, but a Freudian slip specifically implies that the error reveals a hidden or unconscious thought — it is not just any random mistake. 'Slip of the tongue' is the broadest term and covers any accidental verbal error, whether or not it has deeper meaning. 'Lapsus linguae' is the formal Latin term used in academic psychology; you will rarely hear it in daily life. 'Verbal gaffe' refers to an embarrassing public mistake that may show poor judgment rather than unconscious motives. For instance, calling your partner by an ex's name is probably a Freudian slip, whereas mispronouncing a foreign leader's name is a gaffe.

slip of the tongue ↗lapsus linguaeverbal gaffe

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • make a Freudian slip
  • a classic Freudian slip
  • have a Freudian slip
  • be a Freudian slip

Etymology

GermanEnglish

Named after the Austrian neurologist Sigmund Freud (1856–1939), who argued that seemingly accidental mistakes in speech reveal unconscious thoughts and desires. Freud introduced the concept in his 1901 book 'The Psychopathology of Everyday Life', where he analysed dozens of real-life examples. The term 'Freudian slip' entered general English usage in the 1950s and remains a widely recognised expression outside psychology.

First known use

1927

1927, in the meaning defined above