brain fart

American  

[breyn fahrt] / ˈbreɪn ˌfɑrt /

noun

Slang:

1. a brief mental lapse, especially an instance of forgetfulness or confusion.

   I had a brief brain fart and introduced him by the wrong name.

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Etymology

Origin of brain fart

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Did he just have a brain fart and forget that Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the primary?

From Slate • May 30, 2026

While the risks and horrors of dementia are serious, the occasional brain fart, particularly when we're sleep-deprived or stressed, shouldn't be something to get even more sleep-deprived and stressed about.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2024

“I actually had a brain fart in the second — I thought it was 2-and-2 to Blackmon, I threw a curveball and it was actually 3-2,” Bauer said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2021

The "cucumber" moment was a "brain fart" because it was one of her first appearances on live television and she was nervous, she added.

From BBC • Dec. 31, 2020

Of all the times for a brain fart.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio