What does slip mean?
Slip is a versatile word describing both movement and error. As a verb, it can mean to slide unexpectedly, lose control of something, move quietly, evade someone, put on clothing quickly, or make a mistake, as in to slip up. The phrase slip of the tongue names an accidental error in speaking, while a slip of the pen refers to an error in writing. In everyday informal use, to slip something to someone means to pass it secretly or discreetly, and to slip into a position means to attain it unexpectedly or with little difficulty. As a noun, a slip can be a small mistake, an instance of losing one's footing, or a small piece of something. Its range makes it useful for describing anything from a momentary loss of control to a subtle failure in speech or conduct.
To move suddenly or unexpectedly, lose one's hold or footing, make an error, or move or pass somewhere quietly or quickly.
"The writer slipped a new section into the final draft without mentioning the change."
The phrase slip up is common for making an error, while slip into can mean either entering quietly or unexpectedly attaining a position.
A small mistake, error, or failure; an instance of sliding or losing one's footing; or a small piece or strip of something.
"There was a small slip in the calculations, but the final answer was still correct."
The established expressions a slip of the tongue and a slip of the pen use the word in its sense of an accidental mistake.
The plural slips is standard when referring to individual mistakes, instances of slipping, or small pieces of something.
"Several slips in the account were corrected before publication."
One small mistake is a slip of the tongue; one icy step can be a slip of the foot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slip come from?
The English verb developed from Middle English slippen, which reflected an Old English verb meaning to slip, glide, or move suddenly and ultimately a Germanic root. Related forms include the English derivatives slipper and slippery, as well as cognates such as Dutch slippen and German schlüpfen. The noun meaning a small mistake developed later from the idea of something going wrong through a slipping or failing action.
Related word forms
How slip is actually used
The phrase slip of the tongue is conventional and usually refers to an accidental verbal mistake. Slip is also common in informal contexts meaning to move or pass something secretly or quickly, as in slip someone a note. The expression slip of the pen is literary or formal in tone.