According to Sigmund Freud, these slips happen when a person’s unconscious thoughts or desires are at odds with their conscious intentions or actions. For example, a person may accidentally say the wrong word or use a Freudian slip when they are thinking about something else or are under stress.
Freud believed that the human mind is divided into three parts: the conscious, the preconscious, and the unconscious. The conscious mind is the part of the mind that is aware of our thoughts and actions, while the preconscious mind contains thoughts and memories that are not currently in our awareness but can be easily accessed. The unconscious mind, on the other hand, contains repressed thoughts and emotions that are too painful or threatening to be brought into conscious awareness.
Freud argued that slips of the tongue occur when there is a conflict between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. In other words, when a person is trying to say one thing but their unconscious desires or fears are pulling them in a different direction, a slip of the tongue may occur.
For instance, if someone accidentally calls their current partner by their ex’s name, it could be a Freudian slip that reveals that they still have unresolved feelings about their previous relationship. Similarly, if someone accidentally reveals a secret they were trying to keep hidden, it could be a Freudian slip that reveals their unconscious desire to share the information.
One well-known example of a Freudian slip is the statement made by former US President George W. Bush during a speech in 2002. He meant to say “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we,” but instead said, “Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are they. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we.” This slip of the tongue suggested that Bush and his administration were actively thinking of ways to harm the country and its people, which sparked controversy and backlash.
Another example of a Freudian slip was made by former US President Bill Clinton during a speech in 1998. He was trying to say, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” referring to Monica Lewinsky, but instead said, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” This slip of the tongue suggested that Clinton was trying to distance himself from Lewinsky, and it ultimately became a key piece of evidence in his impeachment proceedings.
While Freudian slips have been criticised as being overly simplistic or unfalsifiable, they remain to be a fascinating phenomenon that may reveal the ways in which our unconscious thoughts and emotions can influence our language and behaviour. While these slips can be embarrassing or even damaging in certain contexts, they may also provide valuable insights into our innermost thoughts and feelings.
