LONDON — David Cameron got his masochisms mixed with his sadisms at Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions session.

The PM tortured the English language while trying to spank shadow chancellor Ed Balls for his recent comments that Labour would be "tough on the deficit and tough on the causes of the deficit." He joked that it would be the "first example of political masosadism," although he meant to accuse Balls of "political sadomasochism."

The exchange threw the Commons chamber into disarray, with Speaker John Bercow struggling to quieten the hubbub.

Cameron's flub came after Labour MP Mary Glindon asked why the government was planning to borrow an extra £4 billion next year. He said it was the fault of the last Labour government, before going on to make the linguistic gaffe.

After clarifying his remark he went on to say: "We all know Balls can dish it out but can’t take it. Now we know Balls likes taking it too.”

One commentator remarked that the session had turned a bit 50 Shades of Grey.