In simple terms, a Freudian slip is a verbal or memory mistake linked to the unconscious mind.

Also known as parapraxis, these slips supposedly reveal secret thoughts and feelings that we hold.

They are thought to expose the hidden desires, thoughts, and anxieties from our unconscious minds.

Embarrassed young woman covering her mouth

Fabrice Lerouge / Getty Images

Do Freudian slips really reveal your secret thoughts, or are they just random mistakes?

Ever find yourself forgetting names?

According to Freud, that tendency may also be due to repression.

Freud suggested that the man had blocked out the word because it reminded him of this negative experience.

Freud believed that repressed, hidden conflict continues to affect behavior and emotions, often resulting in psychological problems.

Types of Freudian Slips

Some theorists have also suggested that there are different types of Freudian slips.

Why Do Freudian Slips Happen?

The truth is, we don’t know precisely why Freudian slips happen.

They are difficult to test since they require an impromptu mistake on the speaker’s part.

However, there are a few possible explanations for why they happenwhat they mean.

This paradox ofthought suppressioncan be particularly disruptive for people withobsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Language Processing

Verbal mistakes may also be related to the way our brains process language.

We silently edit our words before we speak, monitoring ourselves for mistakes or inappropriate language.

People make around one to two errors for every 1,000 words they say.

Other Explanations

In other cases, these misstatements might simply be verbal mistakes.

They might also stem from the power of suggestion, distraction, orsleep deprivation.

Youve probably heard plenty of amusing slips of the tongue in your own life.

instead of “Glad to meet you!”

While slightly embarrassing, such Freudian slips are likely due to habit rather than some deeper, hidden meaning.

Freud S.The psychopathology of everyday life.

Mahon E.Freudian slip(Parapraxis).

In: Zeigler-Hill V, Shackelford TK, eds.Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences.

Psychology Today.Slips of the tongue.

Kipnis L.Condi’s inner life.Slate.

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