brain freeze

[ breyn freez ]

noun

, Informal.

1. Also called ice cream head·ache [ahys, kreem , hed, -eyk]. a pain in the temples and forehead brought on by quickly consuming very cold food or drink.
2. a temporary lapse in memory; a sudden mental block.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brain freeze¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

Republicans deserve “most of the blame,” Brooks said, accusing them of having a “brain freeze since the election.”

From The Daily Beast

Perry talked tough—with not a single brain freeze—but some of his pronouncements seemed like debating points.

From The Daily Beast

My observer was blunt about the Texas governor, and this was even before the brain-freeze moment in the Michigan debate.

From The Daily Beast

While Herman Cain fumbles, the Texas governor is everywhere, poking fun at his debate brain-freeze.

From The Daily Beast

Perry was the victim of brain freeze, and we have seen this movie before.

From The Daily Beast