Echolalia

/ˌɛk.oʊˈleɪ.li.ə/ noun

Definition

The automatic and meaningless repetition of words or phrases spoken by another person, seen in autism, catatonia, and some neurological conditions.

Etymology

From Greek 'echo' (echo) + 'lalia' (talk, babbling). Medical term from the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Echolalia is like being a human echo — repeating what someone just said, not to communicate, but because the brain is stuck in replay mode.

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