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

December 19th 2024

primary colors

the basic colors from which all the various hues can be produced by mixing different combinations. Some investigators believe human color perception involves combinations of the three primary colors (i.e., blue, green, and red); others contend that yellow, violet, or both should be included because of visual color sensitivity peaks found at those wavelengths.