misspoke

Misspoke is a verb meaning to utter something unintentionally or incorrectly while speaking, often with the implication that a correction is forthcoming. It is commonly used to acknowledge an error in what was said without asserting deliberate deception. A typical usage is I misspoke.

Etymology and forms: Misspeak is formed from the prefix mis- plus speak. The standard past tense is misspoke, and the past participle is misspoken, with present participle misspeaking. In everyday speech, speakers often opt for the simple past, as in I misspoke, or I have misspoke, though the latter is less common. The construction is frequently found in political and media contexts as a cautious way to admit a verbal error.

Usage and nuance: Misspoke is generally reserved for unintentional errors, such as misstatements about dates, numbers, or facts that can be corrected. It is not typically used to describe deliberate deception; in cases of willful lying or manipulation, terms like lied or misinformation are more appropriate. Some critics view the term as a softener or euphemism that allows speakers to acknowledge an error while avoiding stronger accountability.

See also: slip of the tongue, misstatement, misquote. These related terms cover verbal errors of varying seriousness and intent, from casual mispronunciations to factual inaccuracies.