A little brain fart

What is a nicer, less immature saying?

I love using 'A Freudian slip', but that is only applicable in certain situations.

Solution 1:

In formal contexts, you might consider a temporary "lapse", or, more specifically, a "mental lapse".

In less formal situations, I've often used "thinko"; sometimes elderly people say they've had a "senior moment".

If you've specifically overlooked something otherwise obvious, then a short, descriptive term is a (minor) "oversight".

Solution 2:

Mental hiccup is a fairly common idiom which can be used in circles where "brain fart" might raise eyebrows.

I would not, however, equate it with a "Freudian slip" which implies an inadvertent exposing of someone's subconscious/secret thoughts or desires.

Solution 3:

There is also "mental block" or "neuron misfiring" (not commonly used but I like it).

Solution 4:

My favorite is from an Encyclopedia Brown book that I read 30+ years ago:

Bubbles in the Think-Tank.

I sometimes refer to others (or even myself) as suffering from cranial-rectal inversion, but I feel that implies a longer term than the momentary lapse implied of a brain fart or bubbles in the think-tank.

Solution 5:

I've used "synapse lapse" before. It is informal but more refined than a fart.