The other day I listened as a news commentator corrected information related in a prior broadcast. He mentioned his earlier statement and offered the corrected version.
During the course of his colloquy, he added that he “mis-spoke”.
I thought about the word “mis-spoke”. It is a term that I have heard used more-frequently lately.
Does “mis-spoke” mean “l made a mistake” ? Or does it suggest that there was a mechanical irregularity in the speaking? (Like someone saying “left” when they clearly are pointing “right”.)
I ponder whether saying you “mis-spoke” says “I made a mistake” and whether there is any ownership of an error.
Perhaps I am making too much of it, but, somehow, saying “I was wrong” is different from “mis-speaking”.