Freudian Slip: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Freudian Slip” mean?

"Freudian Slip" means a slip of the tongue that reveals a person's true thoughts or feelings.

What context can I use the in?

Example

During the interview, he made a Freudian Slip and accidentally revealed his secret.

Example

Her Freudian Slip exposed her hidden resentment towards her colleague.

Example

I couldn't help but laugh when she made a hilarious Freudian Slip in her speech

Is “Freudian Slip” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Freudian Slip” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Freudian Slip” effectively in context?

You can use "Freudian Slip" to describe a slip of the tongue that reveals a person's true thoughts or feelings. It emphasizes the idea that the mistake was not accidental but rather a manifestation of the speaker's subconscious. For example, if someone accidentally says 'I love you' to a friend instead of their partner, you might say, 'Oops, that was a Freudian Slip! Maybe you secretly have feelings for them.'

• 1. Social Interactions

  During the party, she made a Freudian Slip and called her friend by her ex's name.

• 2. Workplace

  In the meeting, he made a Freudian Slip and accidentally revealed his dissatisfaction with the new project.

• 3. Public Speaking

  The politician's Freudian Slip during the speech exposed his true stance on the controversial issue.

Similar phrases to “Freudian Slip”:

Slip of the tongue

An unintentional mistake in speech

Example

She made a slip of the tongue and accidentally revealed the surprise party.

Foot in mouth

Saying something inappropriate or embarrassing without intending to

Example

He always puts his foot in his mouth and ends up offending people.

Open one's mouth and put one's foot in it

To say something that is embarrassing, foolish, or inappropriate

Example

She opened her mouth and put her foot in it by making an offensive comment.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Freudian Slip” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Freudian Slip" is attributed to Sigmund Freud, the famous psychoanalyst. According to Freud, slips of the tongue often reveal unconscious thoughts or desires. He believed that these slips were a window into a person's subconscious mind. The term 'Freudian Slip' became popularized as a way to describe a verbal mistake that unintentionally reveals someone's true thoughts or feelings.

Is “Freudian Slip” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Freudian Slip" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to humorously point out when someone unintentionally reveals their true thoughts or feelings through a slip of the tongue.

What tone does “Freudian Slip” have?

"Freudian Slip" conveys a tone of amusement and lightheartedness. It is often used in a playful manner to tease or make light of someone's verbal mistake.

Can “Freudian Slip” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Freudian Slip" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized expression and can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations, workplace discussions, or even public speaking engagements.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He accidentally made a Freudian Slip and revealed his true feelings.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, Freudian Slip!' to acknowledge a verbal mistake.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• verbal blunder
• unconscious revelation
• subconscious slip

Antonyms

• intentional statement
• thoughtful expression
• deliberate communication