We’ve all had that frustrating moment when we’re in the middle of a conversation and suddenly can’t remember a word we know perfectly well. Maybe it’s someone’s name, the title of a movie or even a common word we use all the time. We can picture what we’re trying to describe, and we might even know the first letter, but the actual word just won’t come to mind.There’s actually a name for this experience: the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, also known by the less familiar term lethologica. And while it can be annoying, it’s generally a normal part of how memory and language work.So why does it happen, what does it say about our memory and is it ever something to worry about? Here’s what to know about the experience of having a word seemingly right there, but not being able to say it.Related: What Do You Call a Group of Owls?
What Is It Called When You Can’t Remember a Word?
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The experience of knowing a word but temporarily being unable to retrieve it is called the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, often abbreviated as TOT. It’s also sometimes called lethologica.According to the American Psychological Association’s Dictionary of Psychology, the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon is “the experience of attempting to retrieve from memory a specific name or word but not being able to do so.”
In other words, you haven’t necessarily forgotten the information altogether. You know the word exists, recognize that it’s familiar and may even be able to recall details about it, but you can’t quite access it when you need it.Psychologists Roger Brown and David McNeill formally studied the phenomenon in a landmark 1966 paper published in the Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior. They found that people experiencing a tip-of-the-tongue state could sometimes identify characteristics of the missing word, including letters, number of syllables and the stressed syllable.That explains why you might be able to tell someone, “It’s about a five-letter word, and I think it starts with an S,” even though you still can’t actually say the word.
What Does Lethologica Mean?
Lethologica is a term for the inability to remember a particular word, especially when it feels as though the word is almost within reach. It’s often used as another name for the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon, although the latter is the more widely recognized term in psychological research.The word comes from Greek roots associated with forgetting (lethe—like the river in the Underworld) and speech or words (logos). Importantly, experiencing lethologica from time to time doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong with your memory. It’s a common retrieval difficulty, not necessarily a sign that you’ve lost the information.Related: What Is the Smell of Rain Called?
Why Does the Tip-of-the-Tongue Phenomenon Happen?
The tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon happens when your brain has difficulty retrieving a word you’ve previously learned, even though you still have some knowledge of what you’re trying to say. Researchers have explored several explanations for why this happens. One leading theory involves a temporary breakdown in the connection between a word’s meaning and its sound.For example, you might know exactly what a stethoscope is, what it looks like and what a doctor uses it for but struggle to retrieve the actual word. You have access to the concept, but the sounds needed to say the word aren’t coming together.
Research also suggests that similar-sounding words can sometimes interfere with retrieving the word you’re actually looking for. Psychologists call these competing words “interlopers.” In a 1989 study published in Memory & Cognition, researcher Gregory V. Jones found that words with similar sounds could increase the likelihood of a tip-of-the-tongue experience.A 1991 review by psychologist Alan S. Brown, published in Psychological Bulletin, found that tip-of-the-tongue experiences are nearly universal and can occur about once a week.
Does Forgetting Words Happen More Often as You Get Older?
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Yes. Research suggests that tip-of-the-tongue experiences become more frequent with age, although they can happen to people of all ages. In Brown’s 1991 review, he found that these experiences tend to increase as we get older and are particularly common when trying to recall proper names.However, experiencing lethologica doesn’t necessarily mean someone is developing a memory disorder. Sometimes, the brain simply takes longer to retrieve information that’s already stored.The National Institute on Aging notes that occasionally forgetting which word to use is generally considered a normal part of aging. More concerning changes include having trouble following conversations, getting lost in familiar places or repeatedly asking the same questions.Related: What Does ‘Bless Your Heart’ Really Mean in the South?
How Can You Remember a Word That’s on the Tip of Your Tongue?
If you’re struggling to remember a word, repeatedly trying to force yourself to think of it isn’t always helpful. Here are a few things you can try:
Think of related words: Consider other words associated with the person, place or object you’re trying to remember. Sometimes, a related word can help trigger the one you’re looking for. Try the first letter: If you have an idea of what the word starts with, mentally going through the alphabet may help. Describe what you mean: Instead of getting stuck on the missing word, explain the concept another way. This can sometimes help you move on and remember the word later. Take a break: Step away from the conversation or task for a moment. Sometimes, the word comes back when you’re no longer actively searching for it.When Should You Worry About Forgetting Words?
Occasionally forgetting a word is generally not a reason to panic. However, frequent or worsening difficulty finding words can sometimes be associated with an underlying health condition.
For example, anomic aphasia is a language disorder that makes it difficult to find the right words when speaking or writing. According to Cleveland Clinic, it can occur following a stroke or with certain neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
The National Institute on Aging also recommends talking with a healthcare provider about noticeable changes in memory or thinking, particularly when they begin interfering with everyday activities.
It’s important to distinguish occasional word-retrieval problems from sudden changes in speech. Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding speech can be a sign of a stroke and requires an immediate 911 call.
If you’re noticing persistent or worsening word-finding difficulties, a healthcare professional can help determine what’s causing them.
Related: What Is the Smell of Old Books Called?
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