Ever heard of phobias that sound too bizarre to be true? Well, buckle up because we’re diving into some of the strangest fears people actually face. From the fear of certain colors to the anxiety triggered by certain patterns, these phobias will make you wonder what’s really going on in our brains!
Fear of Beards (Pogonophobia)
Imagine being scared of Santa or a hipster with a coffee cup. That’s pogonophobia! It’s not just about dislike; people genuinely feel uneasy around beards. (I sometimes ask my father to trim his beard, though.)
Whether it’s the texture, hygiene worries, or just sheer fuzziness, this fear can make Movember a nightmare. Yep, there’s an annual event where men grow their beards during the month of November!
Why is it so hard to look at? People who suffer from this phobia report feeling uneasy about the unpredictability of what might be “hiding” in the fuzz or the associations of beards with certain stereotypes.
Fear of Chickens (Alektorophobia)
No cluckin’ way! Alektorophobia is a unique phobia where chickens—yes, those harmless farm birds—become sources of real terror. Anyone can be a monster if you’re imaginative enough!
It reminds me of a friend from my hometown; she would panic whenever chickens approached her in their backyard, and she almost tripped! She couldn’t even touch a chick!
For her, walking through their backyard can feel like navigating a minefield of anxiety because chickens are unpredictable, their beaks are sharp, and they look scary when they flap their wings.
Fear of Chewing Gum (Chiclephobia)
I wouldn’t consider my disgust with chewing gums stuck under desks as a phobia, but people who hate chewing gums regardless of their state exist. (I swear, I sympathize with the sufferers!)
Of course, poor disposal of chewing gums makes us annoyed because it’s so unhygienic, and imagine you accidentally sit or touch them. (Eww, day ruined.) Throw them properly, folks. Have mercy on us.
For some sufferers, the rubbery texture triggers intense discomfort, while for others, it’s the sound of someone chomping away that sends shivers down their spine. Bubble blowers are definitely on the “do not approach” list!
Fear of Buttons (Koumpounophobia)
Yes, don’t blink twice. You’re reading the right text! It turns out that even buttons can be terrifying. Koumpounophobia can stem from sensory issues or traumatic experiences.
They might’ve experienced swallowing and choking on a button as a child. (We know kids. Everything is edible if you’re daring enough.) Parents should look after their kids, so traumas like this won’t develop!
Buttons may look innocent to you, but sufferers shared that the mere sight or sound of buttons can elicit deep unease within them. Ah, this phobia just makes fashion choices a little bit tricky!
Fear of Balloons (Globophobia)
If you’re attending the party of a friend who’s globophobic, don’t expect to see balloons all over the place. Balloons are their least—no, it isn’t a priority at all!
It’s not just the fear of one popping—although the sudden, loud bang can feel like a personal assault—but even the sight or feel of balloons can be overwhelming.
Globophobia is no party trick; for them, balloons are a source of intense anxiety. Their bright colors, rubbery texture, and the unpredictability of whether they’ll pop create a perfect storm of dread.
Fear of Belly Buttons (Omphalophobia)
Yeah, it sounds irrational because it’s literally a part of us (how can you fear it?), but people with omphalophobia might avoid touching their own belly buttons or feel squeamish at the sight of others.
Even a casual mention in conversation can be enough to trigger their anxiety. So, if you want to bring up your fascination with belly buttons, make sure you’re not talking to omphalophobic!
They might leave the dinner table and not want to see you anymore. (Kidding or maybe not.) The oddity of this body “centerpiece”—neither quite internal nor external—can evoke feelings of vulnerability or unease.
Fear of Peanut Butter Sticking to the Roof of Your Mouth (Arachibutyrophobia)
Ah, this one’s very specific, and it might sound more ridiculous than scary to other people! This isn’t just an annoying snack mishap; for arachibutyrophobia sufferers, peanut butter’s stickiness induces genuine panic.
It’s the fear of that stubborn glob clinging to the roof of your mouth, turning a simple snack into a claustrophobic nightmare. What if I choke and it becomes unbearable?!
Planning to prepare peanut butter and jelly for their breakfast? You might reconsider that, buddy. Sandwiches, cookies, and any recipe calling for peanut butter become off-limits!
Fear of Mirrors (Spectrophobia)
Does it count as a phobia if I just avoid mirrors on a daily basis because it reminds me that I have acne breakouts? (It’s an unpleasant sight to witness, you know.)
Though my casual discomfort won’t be considered a phobia, there’s a deeper reason why spectrophobics despise mirrors! It’s probably more on deep-seated issues with self-perception.
Sometimes, mirrors can also feel like gateways to another realm, or worse, they might evoke a sense of being watched by an unseen force. I blame horror movies for this. Overusing mirrors is a scary concept!
Fear of Relatives (Syngenesophobia)
Yes, family reunions are stressful for some (me included). It’s the time of the year when everyone gathers for awkward dinners and forced small talk. So unbearable that you have to do it for hours!
Just the thought of attending a gathering can trigger panic or avoidance behaviors in the sufferers. Relatives might bring up unresolved family conflicts, traumatic experiences, or even personality clashes that create overwhelming anxiety.
The holidays, which are supposed to bring joy and connection, instead bring dread and emotional distress to people who suffer from this phobia. They would choose to isolate instead of risking arguments with relatives.
Fear of Work (Ergophobia)
Work stress is common, but ergophobia is the extreme fear of employment itself! They just don’t dread Mondays like me; they hate all working days. Deadlines and office politics might seem like Mount Everest.
But what about the bills that you need to pay if you don’t have money? Can someone really afford to be jobless in this generation when prices are skyrocketing higher than Burj Khalifa?
Regardless, it’s another problem they need to face aside from job applications and interviews. Ergophobics are paralyzed by the very idea of jobs, deadlines, or even workplace interactions. It’s a tough life outside, indeed.
Fear of Paper (Papyrophobia)
Books, newspapers, and even receipts can send papyrophobia sufferers into a tailspin! My friend, I’m not only talking about the dangers of paper cuts here. (Even though that’s really unsettling, too.)
Some expressed discomfort with its texture—smooth, crinkly, or rough, especially the sound the pages make when flipped! So unbearable they could roll their eyes.
Everyday activities, like reading a book or handling important documents, can become monumental challenges for these people. A world filled with paper can feel as menacing as a room full of sharp edges!
Fear of Colors (Chromophobia)
The world is literally full of colors, and when a person has this phobia, how can they deal with it? Do they have to wear special specs that would mute the colors of the environment?
First, we shouldn’t take this at surface level. Most people with this disorder are afraid of one or two colors in particular. Bold reds might feel aggressive, while even soothing blues can seem suffocating.
Some people may avoid colorful environments altogether and won’t leave their houses because they might experience panic attacks. It’s not ideal to happen in public, I swear. You might risk collapsing!
Fear of Books (Bibliophobia)
Ironically, bibliophobia doesn’t mean you’ll never read this article! How could you hate books? It’s the easiest way to travel the world without leaving your room because stories can bring you to different places!
We’re surely not getting along if you fear books because we love them… in fact, way too much. However, we’ll try to understand people who have this phobia. What is it really?
Sufferers think books are intimidating; they remind them of their struggles with reading at school, overwhelming academic pressure, or even traumatic associations with specific texts. Change your library visit plans with them!
Fear of Rain (Ombrophobia)
Just like my love for books, I’m also obsessed with the sound of heavy rain (with thunders in the background). It’s relaxing, and it helps my mind to pause from thinking for a while.
However, ombrophobics might disagree. Every pitter-patter feels like nature’s assault. The thought of getting soaked, the sound of droplets hitting the ground, and the darkened skies can evoke feelings of vulnerability and dread.
If you are an ASMR artist and you find pleasure in uploading Rain Sounds for Sleeping on YouTube, you know now who are those people who have pressed the dislike button.
Fear of Ducks Watching You (Anatidaephobia)
Yep, this phobia exists! A legendary in its absurdity. It’s not just ducks, actually. It’s the thought that somewhere, a duck is watching—eerily! (We’re afraid ducks will star in a horror movie soon.)
It’s no laughing matter for those who experience it. Though I kind of understand where they’re coming from because a duck’s eyes are very judgy the more you stare at them!
Their blank stares are almost gray, and sometimes they just stand there without making any sounds, which makes them more threatening in silence. Oh god, are we imagining things now?
Fear of Numbers (Arithmophobia)
Well, you can never make me love you, Math. Numbers. Whatever you identify with. Homework related to digits is straight-up terrifying and stressful! (It’s just so hard to solve equations, right?)
This fear can be incredibly specific, with some people dreading certain numbers like 13 or 666 due to superstitions, while others feel an overwhelming panic at the very concept of mathematics.
Perhaps, they don’t wanna deal with calculating their change after buying something, reading clocks, or finding the x and y. Cut them some slack. Numbers are pro in the intimidation game!
Fear of Veggies (Lachanophobia)
Folks, it turns out broccoli isn’t just disliked; it’s feared, too! Who else here dreads the sight or smell of vegetables? Then, you must have lachanophobia. (What if you’re just a picky eater?)
It’s not only about the taste of the vegetables that sufferers find horrible. Sometimes they fear that there are insects and bugs feeding on the vegetables and they might eat them!
Unless you have microscopic eyes and can kill every organism around the veggies, we have to cook our vegetables properly. Food safety is important!
Fear of Hair (Chaetophobia)
Since hair is unavoidable (yep, it’s everywhere)—whether on others, in public spaces, or on themselves—those with chaetophobia face a constant struggle to navigate their daily lives.
Hair strands on a pillow, in a brush, or clogging a drain can send sufferers into a spiral of panic or disgust! (Ah, picking up those hairs clogging the drain? Not my style!)
They might also fear that their hair is dirty or unattractive, but getting a haircut or doing their own hairstyle may not have occurred ever since in their schedules! Complicated, if you ask me.
Fear of Ice Cream (Pagophobia)
Now, before you roll your eyes or start wondering if this is some elaborate TikTok prank, we want to say that this phobia is real, and it’s rare! (I thought everyone loved ice cream in this house?)
Fearing ice cream might sound ridiculous to most of us—like being scared of puppies or rainbows. But the human brain? Oh, it loves to play its tricks! You might start thinking you’re licking magma!
I guess phobias don’t always make sense, eh? So, as wild as it seems, it’s a legitimate fear for the few people who have it! Who are we to judge?
Fear of Clocks (Chronomentrophobia)
Feels like you’re running out of time? Then you might not want to get trapped in a room full of clocks! Oh, the ticking sound will make you go insane. Imagine that.
It’s not your “Oh no, I’m late for work!” kind of panic. It’s just the discomfort with the idea of clocks themselves. Shallow, you think? Maybe. Relatable? Somehow. It puts you in an existential crisis!
Think about it: you can dodge snakes or spiders if they freak you out, but clocks? They’re on buildings, in classrooms, and lurking in your favorite TV shows.
Fear of Long Words (Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia)
Wait, is this a real thing? It is! Hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia—a mouthful, I know—is the fear of long words. The term itself is more of a cruel inside joke among linguists than a medical diagnosis.
Yeah, someone really did that. They took their irony class seriously! If you have this phobia, you might experience anxiety, sweating, or even panic at the sight or sound of a particularly long word.
And no, it’s not just about seeing words like “antidisestablishmentarianism”; it’s about the overwhelming thought of dealing with them. (My tongue kept twisting trying to read the word! Now, I get the fear.)
Fear of Technology (Technophobia)
You might’ve been thinking, “Is this really serious? At this age? Someone’s scared of technology?” It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? (The protagonists sweat when they hear the word Wi-Fi!)
Technology is everywhere (you’re using it while reading this article), and it’s evolving faster than a TikTok trend. But being terrified of your own appliances? That’s where it veers into absurd territory.
Interestingly, technophobia isn’t just about being bad at tech (looking at you, Dad, who still double-clicks every hyperlink). It’s about a fear of interacting with gadgets, apps, or electricity itself.
Fear of Dancing (Chorophobia)
I can’t dance, for God’s sake, which makes me think: Am I chorophobic? How fast I scroll and avoid TikTok dance trends and awkward prom moments (and my algorithm knows this very well).
But the thing about chorophobic people is they don’t only hate their dance moves, but sometimes even watching others dance—triggers intense anxiety! (I can’t relate. I love watching people dance, though.)
Sufferers know it’s irrational, but they couldn’t shrug off the dread so easily. Why does this even exist? Honestly, no one knows. Maybe they were forced into a cringey talent show as a kid?
Fear of Falling Asleep (Somniphobia)
Somniphobia is absurd on the surface—who doesn’t want to sleep? It’s free, rejuvenating, and an excellent way to avoid adulting for eight hours. But to someone with this phobia, sleep isn’t a cozy escape!
They usually worry about losing control while asleep, experiencing nightmares, or—brace yourself for this one—not waking up at all. What seems mundane turned into a bad horror movie.
However, sleep is essential. It’s like oxygen—you can’t live without it. The body forces you to sleep if you resist long enough. So, we still recommend you to sleep, folks!
Fear of Fun (Cherophobia)
Alright, buckle up. We’re talking about something so absurd it might make you laugh (unless you’re cherophobic, in which case, you might already be uncomfortable): cherophobia, or the fear of fun.
We’re not just referring to someone who’d rather stay home than hit a karaoke bar. Cherophobia involves an actual avoidance of joy because sufferers believe that happiness will lead to something bad.
It’s like Murphy’s Law, but specifically targeting fun: if you enjoy yourself, something terrible is bound to follow. But isn’t worrying about something uncontrollable will rob you of your happiness, too?
Fear of Sunlight (Heliophobia)
This isn’t your typical gothic fantasy and obsession with any vampire-related stuff. It’s a legit, albeit rare, phobia that some folks actually live with. They just don’t like…. the sun!
Of course, you would find yourself disagreeing because the sun is pretty great. It keeps us warm, helps plants grow, and gives us those oh-so-important vitamin D magic happening in our bodies.
You might think they’re dramatic, but who likes nasty sunburns or freaky health scares involving UV rays? No one, right? Their fear is valid but shall be cured with consistent therapy.
Fear of Public Bathrooms (Paruresis)
Are people really afraid of public bathrooms? Absolutely, and it’s not as rare as you might think. Paruresis affects about 7% of the population. Odds are, someone you know has experienced it.
It’s not necessarily about the bathroom itself—it’s about the fear of others being present. Have you ever thought of hidden cameras installed inside bathrooms? That might trigger the anxiety, too!
Now, if you’re thinking, “That’s ridiculous—just go already!”—hold up! It’s not as simple as flipping a mental switch. The brain decides, “Nope, not safe to pee here,” and sends your body into standby.
Fear of Being Touched (Haphephobia)
When we were babies, we needed touch to thrive, and many of us live for hugs, high-fives, and kisses from our loved ones. So, the idea of fearing something so fundamental might seem, well, irrational.
It’s literally a basic human experience. Thus, it’s easy to dismiss haphephobia as quirky or over-the-top but imagine living with it. Every handshake, accidental brush, or friendly tap feels like a looming threat!
While it’s considered irrational, it’s not as “ridiculous” as it sounds once you dig into its reasons. For some, the fear stems from past experiences, like abuse or an invasive medical procedure.
Fear of Blank Spaces (Kenophobia)
“I’ve got blank space, baby, and I’ll write your name,” as Taylor would say, but if you’re someone who’s kenophobic, you’d never see them write names on blank spaces!
Honestly, no one’s entirely sure why kenophobia is so uncommon. Maybe it’s because blank spaces aren’t exactly threatening. Unlike heights or snakes (which scream “fall and bite!”), blank spaces don’t do much besides… exist.
Yet, have you ever taken some time to look at a blank space? You, alone, in an empty large room. Don’t you think the blankness might swallow you whole?
Fear of Music (Melophobia)
Wait, what? Fear of music? Isn’t music supposed to be this universal language of joy, catharsis, and love? Turns out not for everyone. If you’re having karaoke around them, you might wanna cancel that.
Melophobia doesn’t mean you just hate a certain genre or can’t stand it when someone plays Mariah Carey’s Christmas album in July. It’s a genuine, gut-wrenching fear of music – as in, any kind of music!
Most people would never associate music – that tone we hum in the shower – with fear. And yet, here we are. Coping with this phobia can feel like trying to avoid water at a pool party.
Fear of Slime (Myxophobia)
People who have this fear might skip to attend Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards! If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you better check Katy Perry’s appearance at the event. Slime nightmare!
Some people aren’t just mildly grossed out by slime; they’re genuinely terrified. Even scrolling through TikTok and stumbling across slime ASMR videos could be enough to ruin their day.
Maybe they don’t like its gooey texture, or its smell makes them nauseous. There are a lot of possible reasons! It’s really an “ew, that’s gross” moment when your hand accidentally touches a sticky surface.
Fear of Fish (Ichthyophobia)
Being afraid of fish sounds… well, a little bit fishy, don’t you think? Kidding aside. There are fishes who just look monstrous at the bottom ocean!
But having this phobia is not only a fear of deep-sea creatures. It could be anything from a harmless goldfish in a bowl to a picture of a trout on a restaurant menu!
Why fish? Why can’t they fear another monstrosity underneath? Well, for some, it’s their slimy texture or the way they wriggle unpredictably! For others, it’s a fear of being touched or bitten.
Fear of Opening One’s Eyes (Optophobia)
You’re not alone if you’re blinking a little extra right now just to ensure you’re not secretly one of them. Some people just genuinely dread the act of opening their eyes.
Honestly, the idea of being afraid to open your eyes feels like it belongs in a surreal comedy sketch. Are we playing endless games of peekaboo right now? It’s certainly not the fun kind!
Now, you’re probably wondering, “How does anyone even function with this?” Great question. Most sufferers resort to living in dimly lit rooms or keeping their eyes shut for extended periods.
Fear of Furniture (Epiplaphobia)
Okay, hear me out: Fear. Of. Furniture. Yep, it’s a thing. It even has a fancy name—epiplaphobia. Therapists would be like, “Wait, you’re scared of what? Say that again?”
This isn’t a plot of some bizarre indie horror movie where the IKEA catalog comes to life. Real people deal with this, okay? But why? No one’s entirely sure.
Can you picture someone running away from a coffee table like it’s a hungry tiger? Same, we can’t. How come chairs, tables, couches—the very objects that make our homes livable—become sources of terror?
Fear of Bathing (Ablutophobia)
Baths are supposed to be relaxing. There’s literally an entire industry dedicated to bath bombs, candles, and fancy bath salts! If you fear bathing, do you fear to smell good around people? Just asking.
Imagine explaining this phobia at a party: “Oh, you’re scared of spiders? Cool, cool. I’m scared of showers.” Cue the awkward silence and side-eyes. They might start leaving the table.
How do they cope with this fear? Well, avoiding showers isn’t exactly a sustainable solution (or a socially acceptable one), but some opt to do the less intimidating option, such as a sponge bath.
Fear of Making Decisions (Decidophobia)
Let’s talk about decisions. Big ones and small ones, such as “What should I eat for dinner?” and “Should I move to a new country?” These are different kinds of decisions. Now imagine being so paralyzed by the act of choosing.
Do you often find yourself at a crossroads when deciding what to watch on Netflix that it sends you spiraling into a full-blown panic? You might be experiencing decidophobia!
From the moment you wake up (Do I hit snooze?) to the time you sleep (Do I scroll Instagram for five minutes? Or… an hour?), decisions are just everywhere whether you like it or not!
Fear of dining with others (Deipnophobia)
Nope, it’s not just introverts dodging awkward small talk over appetizers. We know you’re thinking, “You’re just introvert, get over with it,” but it’s more than that.
Deipnophobia is a legit phobia where the act of eating with other people sparks serious anxiety. Think of it as social anxiety’s oddly specific cousin.
Eating is a vulnerable act! So, eating with someone feels like you’re being watched and your privacy is being violated! They see you chew (hopefully not too loudly,) and their eyes seem glued on you!
Fear of Palindromes (Aibohphobia)
If someone’s brain decides that “rotor” is more terrifying than “shark,” who are we to judge? How could someone fear palindromes when they’re the most satisfying words you can ever encounter?
The term “aibohphobia” itself is a palindrome! Imagine cringing at words like “level” or “racecar” because they’re too perfect. It’s like your brain is saying, “Nope, that’s too neat. Too… balanced. Make it stop!”
If you’ve never met someone with aibohphobia, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly a common topic at dinner parties. (“So, how do you feel about ‘madam’ or ‘kayak’?”)
Fear of Love (Philophobia)
People who experience philophobia aren’t just shy or “playing hard to get.” They have a full-on, heart-pounding, “get-me-out-of-here” reaction to the idea of romantic relationships. (Oh, wait? That sounds just like me.)
Think of it as Cupid aiming his arrow at you, and instead of swooning, you’re ducking, weaving, and running for cover like you’re in an Olympic dodgeball match. Cupid must’ve scratched his head by now.
Philophobia might sound ridiculous at first. I mean, love is everywhere. It’s in the songs, the movies, the sappy Instagram captions. But for some reason, the idea of love is less “aww” and more “GRR!”
Fear of Vomiting (Emetophobia)
Nobody likes throwing up. It’s gross, uncomfortable, and always happens at the most inconvenient times (hello, stomach bug during vacation). But what happens if you have an extreme fear of it?
It can show up in a million weird ways, from avoiding certain foods to straight-up dodging social events where there’s even a chance someone might get sick!
Some sufferers even take extreme precautions, like obsessively washing their hands or refusing to travel. You can say they’re like germophobes, but they’re specifically more concerned with vomiting.
Fear of Puppets, Dummies, and Marionettes (Pupaphobia)
You know that weird, unsettling vibe you get from old porcelain dolls or ventriloquist dummies? Isn’t it because that’s how Hollywood presented them in horror movies?
It turns out they’re feared even in reality! For those with pupaphobia, these inanimate performers are anything but harmless. It’s like their lifeless eyes stare straight into your soul, plotting who-knows-what.
Even if you’re not pupaphobic, you might find yourself low-key uneasy watching a marionette dance eerily to a tune, especially if it’s in the middle of the quiet night. Chills!
Fear of Being Without a Phone (Nomophobia)
We’ll give you a scenario: you reach for your phone, but it’s not in your pocket. You pat your other pocket. Empty. You start rummaging through your bag like it’s a Mary Poppins magical abyss.
Then it hits you—your phone is at home, miles away. The relief you must’ve felt. What we’ve just shown you is a nightmare for a nomophobe!
A 2022 study found that around 66% of people feel anxious when separated from their phones, resulting from our modern obsession with staying connected!
Fear of Getting Wrinkles (Rhytiphobia)
Oh, the fear of getting wrinkles. Yes, you heard us right—wrinkles! Those little lines on your face that tell the world you’ve laughed, frowned, and lived your life.
You know what we think about wrinkles? It’s the skin’s love language. They’re natural and a sign of character and age. But society’s obsession with youth has turned wrinkles into something to fear.
Direct the cameras to the anti-aging creams, botox parties, and Instagram filters that make everyone look like a porcelain doll. Could we just age gracefully, though? It’s not like we can stop that.
Fear of Cheese (Turophobia)
Cheese is life for many of us. We love to watch the gooey mozzarella on pizzas and the Instagram-worthy cheese pull on a grilled sandwich. Ah, it’s the MVP of comfort foods!
Yet, not everyone in this world is like us. We’re not referring to lactose intolerants; we meant the turophobics! They fear cheese, and it’s hard to take that seriously at first.
For them, the triggering points are the cheese’s texture. Sometimes they can be slimy, gooey, or weirdly crumbly (blue cheese, coughs, blue cheese.) It’s smell? It can range from mild to “oh-my-god-who-died” intense.
Fear of Phobias (Phobophobia)
It’s exactly what it sounds like—being afraid of being afraid. A person might start worrying, “What if I develop a fear of elevators?” and then—bam! They’re afraid of being afraid of elevators.
They’re not even avoiding elevators yet; they’re just stuck in this theoretical what-if loop. It sounds very stressful, right? You might just want your brain to freeze.
People with phobophobia fear the concept of fear itself. It can snowball into a “fearception” scenario, where being afraid of fear makes you anxious, and that anxiety makes you… you guessed it, more afraid.