Freudian Slip
Meaning
A “Freudian slip” is a mistake in speaking or writing where someone accidentally says something different from what they intended to say, often revealing a thought, feeling, or desire they may have been trying to keep hidden.
The expression comes from the ideas of Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, who believed that seemingly accidental mistakes could sometimes reveal unconscious thoughts. For example, if someone intends to say, “I’m glad you came,” but accidentally says, “I’m glad you left,” people might jokingly call it a Freudian slip, especially if the mistake happens to reveal what the speaker really thinks.
Today, people generally use the phrase humorously rather than as a serious psychological diagnosis. Not every verbal mistake reveals a hidden desire; sometimes a person simply mixes up their words.
Usage
“Freudian slip” is most often used in casual conversation when someone makes an amusing or revealing mistake while speaking. It is particularly common when the mistake seems to expose what the person actually thinks or feels.
The phrase can be used seriously, but it is usually playful or teasing. If a friend accidentally mentions an ex while talking about their current partner, for instance, someone might jokingly say, “Was that a Freudian slip?”
It can also be used when the mistake is embarrassing, especially when the speaker immediately realizes what they have said and tries to correct themselves.
Example Sentences
- “I meant to say ‘great job,’ not ‘good luck’—that was a Freudian slip.”
- “When James accidentally called his boss ‘Dad,’ everyone laughed and blamed it on a Freudian slip.”
- “She said she wanted to spend the weekend with her friends, but then mentioned her ex instead. Freudian slip?”
- “I’m sure he didn’t mean to say that, but his Freudian slip made everyone wonder what was really on his mind.”
- “Sorry, I called you by my ex’s name. That was definitely a Freudian slip.”