Freudigas

Freudigas is a fictional concept that appears in the satirical novel "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" by Michael Chabon. The term is a portmanteau of "Freud" and "digas," suggesting a connection to psychoanalysis and potentially a dismissive or contemptuous attitude. In the context of the novel, Freudigas refers to a practice or belief system that is seen as overly intellectualized, overly concerned with psychological interpretation, and perhaps divorced from practical realities. It is often used by characters to mock or criticize those who engage in what they perceive as excessive or pretentious analysis, particularly concerning their own or others' motivations and behaviors. The concept serves as a humorous and critical commentary on the pervasive influence of Freudian thought and its potential for becoming a detached and abstract system of understanding human experience. It highlights the novel's exploration of identity, culture, and the search for meaning within a unique and imagined historical setting.