What do you call the phenomenon where you suddenly feel that a word's spelling is wrong?

Question

First of all, does this actually happen to others? Hopefully it does.

In my case at least, the most commonplace words suddenly seem to be spelled wrong.

The most common examples are why, while, when etc. I develop this sudden feeling that the word why is in fact spelled wrong.

Is this a thing? Please point out if the question is off topic though.

Mark Hubbard · Accepted Answer

As an editor, it happens to me all the time. Every time an author writes "seperate," for instance, I doubt my own knowledge that it should be "separate." I double-check the spelling of common words all the time when I'm editing. My advice is never become an editor -- it slows your reading, makes writing nearly impossible, and has few rewards.

All credit for the following goes to @TimLymington:

http://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=webster

All credit for the following goes to @TimLymington:

http://dilbert.com/search_results?terms=webster

What do you call the phenomenon where you suddenly feel that a word's spelling is wrong?

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