Abstract

This paper examines the "Freudian" dimensions of two instances of psycholinguistic performance error in Plautus' comedies, viz., a slip of the tongue in Rudens 422 and a tip-of-the-tongue situation in Trinummus 906–22. In each case, I argue, the error serves as a vehicle for puns and ironic jokes. So understood, novel implications for interpretation, staging, and possible modes of delivery are suggested. An appendix discusses the text of Trinummus 915 and 922.