Flickthough

Flickthough is a term used to describe a brief, fleeting thought or idea that crosses one's mind and is quickly dismissed or forgotten. It is characterized by its ephemeral nature, often arising spontaneously and disappearing just as rapidly. The concept suggests a rapid, almost subconscious processing of information or mental images, leading to a momentary cognitive event.

These flickthoughs are distinct from more deliberate or sustained trains of thought. They can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as a visual cue, a sound, or a scent, and may involve a fragment of a memory, a sudden insight, or an unformed notion. The brevity of a flickthough means that it often lacks detail or context, existing as a mere impression.

While the term itself is not widely recognized in formal psychological literature, it captures a common human experience of transient mental activity. Some might categorize flickthoughs as a form of micro-thought or a precursor to more developed ideas. The ability to experience and, in some cases, recall or act upon these flickthoughs can be influenced by factors such as attention span, cognitive load, and individual thought patterns. The term emphasizes the quickness and lightness of these mental occurrences, like a brief flicker of light or a passing breeze.