Hello! So, I have always joked around with my friends about how when you say a particular word a few times, you start to question if it even is a word, or if it is spelled that way, etc.(think of tubing, or smock as examples) I have noticed in the past few weeks that I (37yr) am having that problem with almost any word that I try to write. We are talking about “and/it/the/Patrick” and whatnot, and it is really making problems for me at work.

Does anyone else have this problem! Does your brain automatically make all words sound fake?

And, yes, all words are made up… I am talking about the ones that currently reside in common speech.

  • maik@infosec.pub
    0·
    10 months ago

    The phenomenon I think you’re referring to is semantic satiation (thanks Ted Lasso!). It has to do with semantic memory and I think the effect can happen to anyone in the right setting. But if you’re noticing a difference or having trouble you may want to speak to your primary care physician about semantic memory disorders.

  • Toes♀@ani.social
    0·
    10 months ago

    Get a carbon monoxide detector.

    But seriously, if it’s a frequent problem I think you should talk about it with a doctor.

  • randomsnark@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    10 months ago

    Another commenter pointed out that if you induce this through repetition it’s called semantic satiation, but the more general case is known as jamais vu. It sounds like yours isn’t caused by semantic satiation. Brains are weird and often do things like this for completely benign reasons or no reason at all. Having said that, Doctor Google (who we all know not to trust) suggests causes can include epilepsy or migraine.

    In any case, it might be worth looking into, if it’s something that’s causing difficulties for you. In general if it’s some specific medical cause a neurologist would be the relevant specialist but your primary care physician or general practitioner would be your first port of call and might be able to recommend further course of action.

  • Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    10 months ago

    I just want to say that must be really frustrating. Do you experience it when reading or only when writing? They’re different thought processes. Reading is just decoding but in writing you have to come up with the word to express the idea. Sounds like something is interrupting that process and making you doubt your choices. If it’s interfering with work it’s significant enough to talk to a doctor about.