<p>This is called the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip_of_the_tongue">Tip of the Tongue</a> phenomenon. </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>People in a tip-of-the-tongue state can often recall one or more features of the target word, such as the first letter, its syllabic stress, and words similar in sound and/or meaning. Individuals report a feeling of being seized by the state, feeling something like mild anguish while searching for the word, and a sense of relief when the word is found.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>It's a very common phenomenon, and it presents itself in several similar forms, as the Wikipedia description notes. Remembering just the first letter is a common form but not the only cue.</p>

<p>There are a couple of suggested causes, but generally the problem is failure to <em>completely</em> retrieve information you "know" is in fact there. The Wikipedia article has some information on the general theories.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-04-01T01:28:18.523Z
Great answer. This is the foundational paper for the topic in the cognitive psychology literature: Brown, R. & McNeill, D. (1966). The "tip of the tongue" phenomenon. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 5, 325-337.
Andy DeSoto
CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-03-31T22:08:03.627Z
2012-03-31T23:45:37.123Z
2012-03-31T23:45:37.123Z
Zelda
<p>This happens to me frequently. I'll say, "Oh you know that guy... uhh... I can't remember his name. But he starts with a 'Z'." You can remember part of the word but not the whole word.</p>

<p>Is there a term for this situation? What causes it?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2012-04-02T13:35:09.403Z
**Brainfart**. Although it's informal, I did hear someone using it in your case.
Roronoa Zoro
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-05-14T15:56:41.930Z
Anomic aphasia, also known as dysnomia, nominal aphasia, and amnesic aphasia; is a severe problem with recalling words or names. Wikipedia is a good source of info on the subject. Severe cases sometimes are traced back to a blow and subsequent damage to the left side of the brain.
user3006
<memory><terminology><language>
Is there a term for trying to remember a word, but only remembering its first letter?
yep
# Is there a term for trying to remember a word, but only remembering its first letter?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2012-03-31)

This happens to me frequently. I'll say, "Oh you know that guy... uhh... I can't remember his name. But he starts with a 'Z'." You can remember part of the word but not the whole word.

Is there a term for this situation? What causes it?

**Tags:** memory, terminology, language

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: **Brainfart**. Although it's informal, I did hear someone using it in your case.  
> **username_2**: Anomic aphasia, also known as dysnomia, nominal aphasia, and amnesic aphasia; is a severe problem with recalling words or names. Wikipedia is a good source of info on the subject. Severe cases sometimes are traced back to a blow and subsequent damage to the left side of the brain.  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_3 on 2012-03-31. Score: 25 | Accepted answer

This is called the [Tip of the Tongue](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip_of_the_tongue) phenomenon.

> People in a tip-of-the-tongue state can often recall one or more features of the target word, such as the first letter, its syllabic stress, and words similar in sound and/or meaning. Individuals report a feeling of being seized by the state, feeling something like mild anguish while searching for the word, and a sense of relief when the word is found.

It's a very common phenomenon, and it presents itself in several similar forms, as the Wikipedia description notes. Remembering just the first letter is a common form but not the only cue.

There are a couple of suggested causes, but generally the problem is failure to *completely* retrieve information you "know" is in fact there. The Wikipedia article has some information on the general theories.

> **Comments:**
> **username_4**: Great answer. This is the foundational paper for the topic in the cognitive psychology literature: Brown, R. & McNeill, D. (1966). The "tip of the tongue" phenomenon. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 5, 325-337.  

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