Parapraxis, also known as a Freudian slip or a slip of the tongue, is a psychoanalytic concept that refers to an unintentional error in speech, memory, or action. The term derives from the combination of the Greek words "para," meaning beyond or beside, and "praxis," meaning action or practice.
In psychology, parapraxis is seen as a manifestation of the unconscious mind and is believed to reveal repressed thoughts, desires, or feelings. It occurs when a person intends to do or say something but ends up doing or saying something different or unintended. These slips can take various forms, ranging from mispronunciations, word substitutions, forgotten memories, to accidental actions.
According to Sigmund Freud, parapraxes are not mere accidents, but rather symbolic acts that provide insight into a person's unconscious motivations, conflicts, and desires. Freud viewed parapraxis as a way through which repressed material from the unconscious mind seeks expression in everyday life.
For example, someone might inadvertently reveal their subconscious attraction to someone by mistakenly calling them a different name. Or, in a Freudian interpretation, a person could forget an appointment that they unconsciously do not want to attend. These lapses, according to Freud, are influenced by the workings of the unconscious and can provide valuable insights into an individual's psychological state.
Overall, parapraxis highlights the notion that slips of the tongue and other unintentional actions can serve as gateways to the hidden depths of the human psyche.
