"lapsus linguae" (Latin)

by Craig Shrives

What does the Latin term lapsus linguae mean?

"Lapsus linguae" is a Latin phrase that translates to "slip of the tongue" or "verbal mistake." It refers to an unintentional error or blunder in speech where someone says something different or unintended from what they intended to say. It is a common occurrence in everyday conversation and public speaking. "Lapsus linguae" can range from simple mispronunciations or word substitutions to more significant errors that may change the meaning of a sentence or cause confusion. These slips can be caused by various factors, such as mental distractions, nervousness, fatigue, or lack of concentration.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three example sentences demonstrating the usage of "lapsus linguae":
  • During the speech, the politician had a lapsus linguae and accidentally mispronounced the name of an important constituent.
  • Apologizing for her lapsus linguae, the professor clarified that she meant to say "photosynthesis" instead of "photoshop" in her lecture.
  • He quickly corrected himself after the lapsus linguae and clarified that he meant to order a large coffee, not a large cookie.
lapsus linguae (meaning)

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