What does lapsus mean?
Lapsus is a formal, uncommon noun meaning a slip, error, or mistake. Its specialized use in English comes largely from Latin expressions in which it identifies the kind of error involved: “lapsus linguae” denotes a slip of the tongue, while “lapsus calami” denotes a slip of the pen. The word is often used humorously or ceremonially when discussing a minor mistake, an unintended verbal error, or an editorial mistake in written work. Because it is Latinate and relatively uncommon as a standalone noun, lapsus can sound learned, literary, or deliberately precise. It should not be confused with the more familiar lapse, which is broader: a lapse may be an error, but it can also mean a failure, decline, or interval. Lapsus is especially useful for discussing language and writing, where a distinction between a spoken mistake and a written mistake can be important.
nounA lapse, error, or mistake, especially a verbal or written slip. It is most often encountered in the Latin phrases “lapsus linguae” and “lapsus calami.”
- A lapse, error, or mistake.
- A slip or mistake in speech or writing, especially when expressed through a Latin phrase.
"The report described the discrepancy as a lapsus rather than a deliberate misstatement."
"Her lapsus changed the meaning of the entire report."
"The editor corrected a lapsus calami before the manuscript went to print."
The plural is rarely needed because the word usually appears in fixed Latin expressions.
"The editor listed the lapsuses separately from substantive revisions."
A lapsus linguae is a slip of the tongue, while a lapsus calami is a slip of the pen—one harmless mistake, one potentially embarrassing one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lapsus come from?
Lapsus comes from Latin, where it derives from labī, meaning “to slip,” “glide,” or “fall.” The form lapsus originally referred to a slipping or falling and came to denote an error or mistake. English borrowed it directly and also has several cognates formed from the same Latin participle, including lapse, collapse, elapse, and relapse.
Related word forms
How lapsus is actually used
As an independent English noun, lapsus is uncommon, formal, and strongly Latinate. In contemporary English it usually appears within the established phrases “lapsus linguae” and “lapsus calami.”
Easily confused with lapsus
A lapse is the general noun for an error, failure, or decline, whereas a lapsus is a slip or mistake and is commonly used in Latinized fixed phrases.