slip of the tongue

a minor error in speech, such as a spoonerism, that is episodic and not related to a speech disorder or a stage of second-language acquisition. Psychoanalysts have long been interested in the significance of such slips, referring to them as Freudian slips and believing them to reveal unconscious associations, motivations, or wishes. Also called lapsus linguae; speech error. See also parapraxis; verbal leakage.

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Psychology term of the day

January 19th 2025

stigmatophilia

n. sexual interest in and arousal by a partner who is tattooed or has scars, or by having oneself tattooed, particularly in the genital area.