mental blanks

[/ˈmen.təl blæŋks/]

nounpl: mental blanks

brancos mentais

1. Temporary lapses in memory or concentration where one forgets something or cannot recall information despite knowing it

I had a mental blank during the exam and couldn't remember the answer, even though I had studied it.

Tive um branco mental durante a prova e não consegui lembrar a resposta, apesar de ter estudado.

2. A moment of confusion or loss of focus where one temporarily forgets what they were doing or saying

She had a mental blank in the middle of her presentation and lost her train of thought.

Ela teve um branco mental no meio da apresentação e perdeu o fio da meada.

NYC Slang

brain freeze / zone out

Synonyms

Antonyms

Regional Variations

General Brazilian

branco mental

Most commonly used term in Brazil

São Paulo

branco mental / apagão mental

Both terms are used interchangeably

Rio de Janeiro

branco mental / tive um branco

Often used colloquially in shortened form

Portugal

esquecimento momentâneo / branco

Less common term; 'branco' is sometimes used informally

have a mental blank

draw a blank

lose one's train of thought

lose focus

mind goes blank

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