Freudian Slips

According to Sigmund Freud, freudian slips, or parapraxia, is an error in speech or actions that would be believed to be caused by the unconscious mind. What is unclear, however, is whether these "mistakes" are just mishaps of the mind, or if they have deeper significance. While some may dismiss what they have said as an "honest mistake", these may actually give some insight into the unconscious mind. It is not entirely clear, even, as to whether Freud himself would allow for the ability for the human mind to make "honest mistakes" or, if every instance has a deeper, hidden meaning.

Nonetheless, it can be insightful to examine behaviors to try to determine what may be happening in the unconscious mind. This IS NOT as scientific as some other Psychological methods, but can be useful at times.

An example would be if someone stated in a conversation that they "took a summer school curse this summer." Freud may have said that this mistake could give you insight into an individuals' unconscious mind, and as a result, could tell what that person's impressions of the course were. After all, it must have been a curse for the entire semester!

I had reflected on another example that I had some personal experience with this summer. I had attended a wedding reception of a friend, and the time for the best man's speech had arrived. The best man, the brother of the groom, stood up and said some very nice things about both the bride and the groom. Toward the end of his remarks he closed, by mentioning some very nice things about the bride and welcoming her to the family. However, he closed by saying "Not only is she beautiful on the inside, but she is even more beautiful on the outside."

After some period of very uncomfortable silence, the best man, embarrassed, corrected himself to the laughter of his audience. What's the point? Well, clearly he had switched up the words inside and outside, causing an awkward moment. But, is this really a reflection of his unconscious mind at work, or is this just an indication of his nervousness and apprehension about giving the speech in front of a captive audience? Tough to tell, but certainly allowed for some interesting dinner conversation!!!

Are you aware of any Freudian slips that you have experienced, either personally or on television/movies? Please keep in mind the need to protect the anonymity of the individuals you are speaking of when you post comments. Identifying specific indivuals is not appropriate and will not be allowed, but if you can give specific examples that would help to demonstrate this phenomenon, it may be helpful.