Tiny deviation from a general trend

BLIP

Think of a brief, unexpected spike on a graph or screen—something small that stands out before disappearing back into the usual pattern.

A "blip" is a small, brief change that stands out from an otherwise steady pattern, which fits the clue perfectly. The word itself is informal but commonly used in data, finance, or everyday speech to describe a minor irregularity—like a quick spike on a graph or a small hiccup in a plan. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a straightforward definition where the answer directly matches the idea of a tiny deviation. Think of it like a brief flicker on a radar screen that disappears just as fast as it appears.